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Braves' Ozuna suspended 20 games for violating domestic violence policy

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Atlanta Braves outfielder Marcell Ozuna has been suspended 20 games for violating Major League Baseball's joint domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse policy, the league announced Monday.

Ozuna's unpaid suspension is being applied retroactively, including the final 20 contests of last season when he was on administrative leave. He'll be eligible to play for the Braves on Opening Day next year.

While on the injured list in May, Ozuna was arrested on charges of aggravated assault strangulation and misdemeanor battery.

In early September, Ozuna entered a pretrial diversion program that could lead to his charges being dropped. As part of the program, he was placed on six months' supervision and required to take part in an anger management course, according to ESPN.

"Any instance of domestic violence is unacceptable, and we fully support the decision by the commissioner's office regarding Marcell," the Braves said in a statement. "We are encouraged to know that Marcell has accepted full responsibility for his actions and is taking the necessary measures to learn and grow from the situation."

The 31-year-old signed a four-year, $65-million contract with Atlanta last offseason.

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