Nationals’ Starlin Castro placed on administrative leave for alleged domestic violence

Washington Nationals infielder Starlin Castro is being placed on administrative leave pending an MLB investigation into an allegation of domestic violence.

The Athletic’s Brittany Ghiroli reported Friday that Major League Baseball is placing Castro on seven-day leave as it investigates an alleged domestic violence incident that occurred earlier this summer.

Castro, age 31, has played in 87 games for the Nationals this season. Across 315 at-bats, he owns a .283/.333/.375 slash line with a .708 OPS, 38 RBI and a 1.3 WAR.

Similar to Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer, who is under investigation for allegations of sexual assault, MLB can initially place a player on administrative leave for seven days under the joint domestic violence policy. In order to extend the leave, which happened with Bauer, MLB needs approval from the MLB Players Association.

Castro will be paid during his leave as MLB conducts his investigation. The Nationals are expected to fill his spot on the roster before Friday’s game.