Manfred hopes for Reyes, Chapman rulings by Opening Day

Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred continues to gather information in three separate domestic violence cases, and hopes to have rulings for each of the players involved before the season opens in April.

"I would hope to deal with all three cases before Opening Day," Manfred told Harvard Law Today. "The fact of the matter is the timing in these cases is partially driven by the criminal process. Obviously, information is a lot easier to get from law-enforcement authorities once the criminal process has run its course. So we're a little hamstrung. We're a little at the mercy of the timing of the criminal process, in at least one of the cases."

New York Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman, Colorado Rockies shortstop Jose Reyes, and Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig are all facing possible suspensions from the league as part of a newly implemented domestic violence policy.

Prosecutors determined last month that Chapman will not face criminal charges in connection with an alleged domestic violence dispute involving his girlfriend, though Manfred indicated the pitcher could still see a suspension from the league despite charges not being filed.

"Obviously, we're going to look at a variety of issues, including whether or not there's a criminal conviction, although that’s not outcome-determinative, the nature of the conduct involved, and all of the facts and circumstances surrounding each individual situation," Manfred said.

Reyes is slated to stand trial in Hawaii on domestic abuse charges following an alleged altercation with his wife on Halloween. His trial is set to begin April 4.

Puig was involved in a bar fight in Miami in which he allegedly pushed his sister and engaged in a physical altercation with a bouncer. No charges were pressed.