Red Sox Pitcher Suspended After Williamson County Arrest

BOSTON, MA -- Major League Baseball suspended Steven Wright, the Boston Red Sox pitcher arrested for domestic violence in Williamson County in December, 15 games. Wright will miss the start of the Boston season serving his suspension.

Wright, a 33-year-old knuckleballer, was arrested Dec. 8, 2017, on suspicion of misdemeanor domestic assault and interfering with a 911 call. Those charges were later retired, however MLB's Domestic Violence Policy still allows for a suspension of 15 to 82 games.

Wright, in a statement issued through the Major League Baseball Players Association, said he would not appeal the suspension.

"I deeply regret my actions that night," he said. "I fully cooperated with MLB's investigators and re-iterated to them that I did not make physical contact with my wife. The legal case that as retired supports that claim. But I accept full responsibility for what happened and have taken steps, including counseling sessions, to help me become a better husband."

Wright went 13-6 with four complete games and a 3.33 ERA in 2016 when he was a member of the American League All-Star team. He made just five starts in 2017 after cartilage restoration surgery in his knee. He was expected to compete for a spot in the back half of the Red Sox rotation this year, though the suspension guarantees he will miss Opening Day. He can still participate in spring training activities. He has not appeared in a spring training game thus far.

“While it is clear that Mr. Wright regrets what transpired that evening, takes full responsibility for his actions and has committed himself to the treatment and counseling components of the policy, I have concluded that Mr. Wright’s conduct on Dec. 8 violated the policy and warrants discipline,” baseball commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. “Mr. Wright has agreed to speak to other players about what he has learned through this process, and to donate time and money to local organizations aimed at the prevention of, and the treatment of victims of, domestic violence.”

Wright is the sixth player to be suspended under the MLB's domestic violence policy since it was instituted in September 2015. Only one of those players was ultimately convicted and that player, Atlanta Braves Hector Olivera, served the 82-game suspension.

Photo via Williamson County Sheriff's Department