Braves’ Marcell Ozuna arrested on suspicion of drunk driving, a year after domestic violence arrest

Marcell Ozuna, who missed the Atlanta Braves’ run to the 2021 World Series title after he was placed on administrative leave for a domestic-violence incident, was arrested early Friday morning for driving under the influence, according to Gwinnett (Georgia) County records.

Ozuna, 31, was arrested by police in Norcross for driving under the influence/alcohol and for an unsafe lane change. He was booked into an area jail at 4:39 a.m. and released shortly after 8 a.m. after posting bond.

Ozuna agreed to enter a pretrial diversion program after his May 2021 arrest and subsequent charges of battery and aggravated assault by strangulation after police were summoned to his Sandy Springs, Georgia home. Police body cam footage obtained by TMZ appeared to show Ozuna grabbing his wife’s neck after they arrived at his home.

He sat out the remainder of the 2021 season and was retroactively suspended without pay for 20 games by Major League Baseball. Ozuna’s pretrial agreement included three to six months of supervision and completion of a 24-week family violence intervention program, anger management and 100 hours of community service.

Marcell Ozuna before a game in July.

While Ozuna is not expected to receive additional disciplinary action from MLB, any player who arrested or charged with DUI is required to be referred to a joint treatment board for evaluation, per terms of MLB and the MLB Players’ Association collective bargaining agreement.

The Braves released a statement Friday noting they are aware of and “disappointed” by Ozuna’s arrest.

“The Atlanta Braves are aware of Marcell Ozuna’s arrest this morning and are still gathering all the facts pertaining to the incident. Our organization takes these matters very seriously and are obviously disappointed by the situation. As this is a legal matter, we will have no further comment until the process is complete.”

Ozuna is in the second year of a four-year, $65 million contract with the Braves, who originally signed him before the 2020 season. Following his arrest last season and other injuries, the Braves acquired three outfielders before the July trade deadline and went on to win the World Series.

This season, Ozuna has served as the club’s primary designated hitter, batting .214 with 20 home runs.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Marcell Ozuna DUI arrest: Braves DH faced 2021 domestic violence charge