New York Yankees starting pitcher Domingo German was officially handed an 81-game suspension on Thursday following a violation of the MLB's Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy:

German was suspended indefinitely toward the end of the regular season, an absence that extended when he was declared ineligible for postseason play. He will sit out the first 63 games of the 2020 season after missing the final 18 games of 2019 (including the postseason).

The 27-year-old had been one of the Yankees' steadiest pitchers in 2019, going 18-4 with a 4.03 ERA through his first 24 starts (27 total appearances) and providing crucial depth for a depleted Yankees roster.

However, he was placed on administrative leave on Sept. 19 following an alleged domestic incident involving a girlfriend. The 81-game suspension is now the longest under the latest policy (via Garrett Stepien of SNY.tv):

MLB placed German on administrative leave Sept. 19 as the league investigated what was an alleged domestic incident that occurred late Sept. 16 or early Sept. 17, following LHP CC Sabathia‘s charity gala, as SNY's Andy Martino reported. The incident involved a girlfriend.

German did not face criminal charges. The 81-game ban is the MLB's longest under the joint MLB-MLBPA Domestic Violence Policy, surpassing Chicago Cubs INF Addison Russell‘s 40 game suspension in 2018.

German will not protest the suspension. He is also ineligible to participate in spring training. The Yankees also released a statement of their own with respect to the league's decision:

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This makes New York's signing of Gerrit Cole that much more imperative. Of course, Cole is a megastar and instantly galvanizes any starting rotation, but he will now also serve to provide depth in light of German's suspension.

The Yankees will hope Domingo German can strive for betterment and return midway through the season.