Former New York Yankees pitcher Domingo Germán is eyeing a return to Major League Baseball (MLB) after addressing his struggle with alcohol abuse last year.
Germán is currently in talks with six MLB teams, including the Baltimore Orioles, Toronto Blue Jays, and New York Mets, as he looks to resume his MLB career.
The pitcher made headlines in 2023 when he achieved a remarkable feat, pitching the 24th perfect game in MLB history on June 28. This marked the first perfect game since Félix Hernández’s in 2012 and the fourth in Yankees history, setting a significant record for the team.
Domingo Germán throws a perfect game, a breakdown pic.twitter.com/CXt5oLvWny
— Jomboy (@Jomboy_) June 30, 2023
However, Germán faced a setback when, on August 2, 2023, the Yankees announced that he would voluntarily undergo inpatient treatment for alcohol abuse. This decision led to his placement on the restricted list, effectively ending his 2023 season.
It was later revealed that Germán had displayed belligerent behavior in the Yankees’ clubhouse, engaging in a confrontation with manager Aaron Boone, overturning furniture, and damaging a TV. At that time, Germán appeared to be under the influence of alcohol.
Domingo Germán had arguments with Aaron Boone and teammates during Tuesday’s incident. He flipped a couch, smashed a TV and made jokes while teammate Ron Marinaccio packed his bags for Triple-A. They made him go in a sauna to try and sweat out the alcohol
(via @lindseyadler) pic.twitter.com/E6szzcCJFF
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) August 4, 2023
Following these events, on November 2, 2023, Domingo Germán was removed from the Yankees’ 40-man roster and placed on outright waivers. Subsequently, he elected free agency on November 6.
Domingo Germán’s journey in MLB began when he was signed by the Florida Marlins as an international free agent in 2009. After progressing through the minor leagues, he joined the New York Yankees in a trade in 2014.
Throughout his career, Germán experienced both highs and lows, including an impressive MLB debut in 2017 and a historic first start in 2018.
However, he faced challenges such as missing the 2015 season due to Tommy John surgery and being suspended for violating the league’s personal conduct policy four years later.
On September 19, 2019, Domingo Germán was placed on administrative leave by MLB amidst an investigation into alleged domestic violence against his wife Mara Vega.
This suspension extended through September 25, when it was officially confirmed that he would be ineligible to partake in any baseball activities for the remainder of 2019, including the postseason.
Domingo German shares a statement regarding his suspension for violating MLB's domestic violence policy. pic.twitter.com/6WSkrv8XT4
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) February 24, 2021
Despite setbacks, Germán returned to the field and had notable moments in subsequent seasons, including a no-hitter bid in 2021 and a career-high 11 strikeouts in 2023. However, he also faced controversy, receiving a suspension in 2023 for an illegal substance violation during a game against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Domingo German released this statement following his 10-game suspension after officials deemed him to have an “extremely sticky” substance on his right hand against the Blue Jays on Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/qt1HZahYPl
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 18, 2023
Domingo Germán achieved a milestone in MLB history on June 28, 2023, pitching the 24th perfect game.
However, shortly after this remarkable feat, he decided to voluntarily enter inpatient treatment for alcohol abuse.
