Yankees pitcher Domingo German does not fold, apologizes for cryptic post

NEW YORK – After causing a stir Friday night with several cryptic Instagram posts implying that he was retiring from baseball, New York Yankees pitcher Domingo German apologized for his comments on Saturday.

“For my teammates, the Yankees organization and our fans, I am very sorry for the disturbing post last night,” Germán wrote in an Instagram story. “Last year was very hard for my family and me, for which I take full responsibility. Not being with my teammates as they prepare for the season, knowing that I disappointed them, it took its toll on me and last night I let my Emotions take over. Baseball is my life and I promise I won’t go away. “

His previous post included a photo of himself wearing stripes and screaming during a game. The post included words in Spanish that translated as: “Some people make history on both sides, I think I did my part at Yankee Stadium, if I choose not to return, I will be very proud of my 11-year professional career. God bless everyone. those who have supported me. ” In another publication, the German also wrote in Spanish: “I have left baseball. Thank you all.”

German is currently serving an 81-game suspension due to an incident that involved the Dominican pitcher and his girlfriend, which was deemed to violate Major League Baseball’s domestic violence policy. German, who missed the entire 2019 postseason due to his suspension, has 63 games to go. The 2020 regular season was shortened to 60 games amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The 27-year-old right-hander led the Yankees in wins last year, going 18-4 with a 4.03 ERA in 24 starts. His suspension is unpaid, and he has already lost his entire salary this year, which would have been prorated from $ 619,675 to $ 229,509.

“I am using this time to strengthen myself, become a better person and father, and I can only hope that I can join my teammates once again and make them proud. Thank you all, especially the Yankees organization, for your support. Forgive me for my mistake, “wrote German at the end of his last Instagram post, which was the only message written in English.

When asked about German’s message before the Yankees vs. preseason game. Mets at Citi Field on Saturday night, manager Aaron Boone said: “There hasn’t been much contact with the club in terms of what’s going on.”

The team rejected any further requests for comment.