Rockies GM: Reyes' domestic incident factored into DFA

The Colorado Rockies say the unknowns surrounding the domestic dispute between Jose Reyes and his wife played a role in the club's decision to designate him for assignment.

Reyes was suspended 51 games under baseball’s new domestic violence policy, and although the decision to DFA him wasn't based solely on the incident, it was a major one, according to ESPN.

"We've had a long time to mull over this and think about this. We've had a long time to see if there are facts that ... there are things that come to light that give us a clearer picture of exactly what's gone on," general manager Jeff Bridich said. "From the beginning, we've said that what's gone on is, what seemed to have gone on between Jose and his wife, both extremely disappointing and unfortunate, noting the societal ramifications of all of it.

"So it definitely factored in, but there were a lot of things that factored into the decision."

Reyes didn't take part in spring training and was suspended through May 31. He was charged with domestic violence after an altercation with his wife, but charges were dropped.

Related: Rockies designate Reyes for assignment

Another factor that played a role into the Rockies' decision to DFA Reyes was the performance of Trevor Story. The rookie made himself irreplaceable, belting 17 home runs to date. Bridich said he's lucky Story performed the way he did, or else there might have been some more thinking to do.

Despite his assignment, Reyes is still the highest-paid player on the Rockies, making $22 million in each of the next two seasons. Though that could be a silver lining for him, it'll be difficult to find a trade partner willing to take on his contract.

"At the end of the day we felt that it was best that we part ways; best for the direction of the organization, best for what was going on in the clubhouse and best for Jose," Bridich said.