Suspended Until June

Domingo German received his punishment on Thursday for a domestic violence incident last September. And it's a severe one -- 81 games, a half-season, (a sentence that began when he placed on paid leave in mid-September) which will sideline the Yankees breakthrough pitcher through June 4th. And not just out of major league games, but Grapefruit League play, as well. He will able to practice with the club during spring training, but in no activity open to the public. There's also a fine, counseling and a substantial donation to a women's charity.

This is the farthest thing from getting off easy. After winning 18 games last season, he will be off the Yankees radar for the first 63 games of 2020. Sure, the Yankees have beefed up their rotation with the free agent signing of Gerrit Cole. And having Jordan Montgomery back and healthy after 2018 Tommy John Surgery will help. But erasing an 18-game winner weakens any team.

It will be interesting to see how Yankee fans (and his teammates) react to German should he return in June. This is not a PED or recreational drug suspension, which often ends with a sense of forgiveness and putting the episode behind. What should the reaction be? Sports and celebrity are full of second chances; German can hope for one, but ought to be prepared for a less cordial reception once the this lengthy suspension concludes.

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