Familia's simple assault charge dismissed by judge

The simple assault charge against New York Mets closer Jeurys Familia was dropped by a New Jersey judge Thursday, according to multiple reports, concluding the legal proceedings resulting from a domestic violence allegation.

The charge stemmed from an arrest on Halloween for causing "bodily injury to another" after police officers were called to an apartment in New Jersey during the early morning hours.

Familia's wife, Bianca Rivas, had called 911 dispatchers that night, saying that her husband had been drinking and was "going crazy." She later asked for the charge to be dropped.

While Familia won't face criminal charges, he still could be suspended by Major League Baseball. Commissioner Rob Manfred said in November that the league would wait until the court proceedings were finished before pursuing a possible suspension.

"I think that it is usually difficult for us to complete our investigation before the criminal process has run its course," Manfred said. "We have the luxury of not being on the field right now, and we're going to take advantage of that."

Aroldis Chapman (30 games), Jose Reyes (52 games), and Hector Olivera (82 games) were all suspended last season under the league's domestic violence policy. Chapman and Reyes were suspended despite not being charged, while Olivera was charged with one misdemeanor count of assault and battery.

Familia has played a significant role in the Mets' bullpen the last three seasons, posting a 2.20 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, and 243 strikeouts in 233 innings while converting 99 saves - including 51 in 2016.