Manfred: Familia decision will come before Opening Day

The decision about whether or not the New York Mets will have right-hander Jeurys Familia as the team's closer to begin the 2017 season has a deadline.

Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred appeared at the owner's meeting in Palm Beach, Fla., on Friday and addressed the alleged domestic violence incident involving the 27-year-old Dominican.

Manfred said a decision on a possible suspension for Familia would be determined before Opening Day, according to USA Today's Bob Nightengale.

Familia was arrested on Oct. 31 after his wife Bianca Rivas dispatched 911 to a residence in Fort Lee, New Jersey. Rivas, who had a scratch on her chest and bruise on her cheek when police arrived, said her husband was "drunk" and "going crazy" during the incident.

He was later charged with simple assault, which was dismissed in court, but is still under investigation by MLB because of his alleged actions.

Familia could receive a 30-40 game ban, despite the dropped charges, according to league sources of Kristie Ackert of the New York Daily News.

The closer led the majors in saves last season, recording 51 in 56 chances, while posting a 2.55 ERA.

Over the course of his five-year career with the Mets, Familia has saved 100 games and owns a 2.46 ERA during 247 appearances.