Phillies' Odúbel Herrera arrested for allegedly assaulting girlfriend at Atlantic City casino
Odúbel Herrera, 27, has been charged with simple assault.
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. - Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Odúbel Herrera has been arrested after police say he assaulted his girlfriend at an Atlantic City casino.
Herrera was arrested Monday night on an assault charge at the Golden Nugget Casino.
Police say they were called on a report of a domestic assault and found a 20-year-old woman "with visible signs of injury to her arms and neck," which they said were caused by Herrera during a dispute.
Investigators say the victim refused medical treatment.
Herrera was reportedly arrested in his hotel room without incident. He was released on a summons with a June 17 court date.
The Phillies reported the incident to Major League Baseball, which has placed Herrera on administrative leave.
The NL East-leading Phillies did not play on Memorial Day following a seven-game road trip. The team told Herrera not to report to the club while he's on leave.
The Phillies issued a statement Tuesday saying they are taking the matter seriously and support the joint agreement between the league and players' union covering domestic violence.
Herrera's leave is effective Tuesday and can last up to seven days. In previous MLB investigations, the length of the administrative leave frequently has been extended while the probe continues.
Herrera, an All-Star center fielder in 2016, is hitting .222 with one home run and 16 RBIs in 39 games this season. He missed time in April with a hamstring injury.
Phillies general manager Matt Klentak and manager Gabe Kapler declined comment on specifics, citing MLB rules. They spoke to Herrera to inform him that he was being placed on leave. Klentak said Herrera apologized.
Asked if Herrera apologized for the incident itself or the distraction it caused, Klentak said: "I think maybe all of the above."
Kapler and his ex-wife started a foundation in the 2000s to support victims of domestic violence in Southern California.
"Domestic violence is unacceptable every time," Kapler said.
MLB and the players' association agreed to a domestic violence policy in 2015, giving the commissioner the right to investigate and impose discipline. If discipline is warranted, a paid leave can be converted to a suspension without pay. Players cited previously under the policy include Jose Reyes, Aroldis Chapman, Yasiel Puig, Hector Olivera, Jeurys Familia, Steven Wright, Miguel Sano and Addison Russell.
Herrera is in the third year of a $30.5 million, five-year contract. He's making $5 million this season, $7 million next season and $10 million in 2021. The team has club options for 2022 and `23.
Herrera had career highs in homers (22) and RBIs (71) last season, but his average dipped to a career-low .255.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact the Atlantic City Police Department at 609-347-5766 or text anonymously to tip411 (847411).
The Associated Press contributed to this report.