Free-agent pitcher Sam Dyson suspended for 2021 season under MLB domestic violence policy

Free agent Sam Dyson, who hasn't pitched in an MLB game since he was with the Minnesota Twins in 2019, won't be returning to big-league baseball this year. 

As Jesse Rogers noted for ESPN, MLB has suspended the 32-year-old right-hander for the entire 2021 season for violating the league's joint domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse policy. 

"My office has completed its investigation into the allegations that Sam Dyson violated Major League Baseball’s Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy," commissioner Rob Manfred said in a release shared by Cassandra Negley of Yahoo Sports. "Having reviewed all of the available evidence, I have concluded that Mr. Dyson violated our Policy and that discipline is appropriate." 

The punishment stems from disturbing allegations of abuse and intimidation made by Alexis Blackburn, Dyson’s ex-girlfriend, in November 2019 that were documented by The Athletic. Blackburn said at that time that Dyson was abusive toward her and a cat named Snuckles. The Athletic's Katie Strang shared a statement from Blackburn on Friday afternoon: