Marcell Ozuna, Atlanta Braves outfielder, has been granted an extended administrative leave through Friday, according to ESPN.
Ozuna is currently in a diversion programme that he joined in a pretrial resolution Sept. 9, three months after he was arrested for assault charges against his wife.
The misdemeanor charges against him for family violence battery, simple assault and other charges are in the books. However, when he entered the diversionary program, a Fulton County deputy prosecutor announced that the charges would be dropped if Ozuna met the conditions within six months.
Ozuna was placed under six-month supervision and must complete a 24-week family violence intervention course. He must also complete 200 hours community service, abstain from using illegal drugs, and not have any contact with his wife. If he meets all requirements, the six-month supervision can be ended after three months.
The Athletic first reported the extension of his administrative leave by MLB on Friday.
Ozuna's suspension is still possible, subject to MLB reviewing the matter under its joint domestic violence policy. Ozuna's administrative time can be extended multiplely, as was the case with Trevor Bauer of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The next court appearance for Ozuna is Jan. 13.
Ozuna, who finished sixth in the NL MVP balloting, signed a $65 million, four-year deal in free agency to bring his team back to the Braves. After hitting.213 with seven homers, 26 RBIs and 48 games, Ozuna was placed on the injured roster with dislocated fingers. He was arrested on May 25th.
