Astros minor leaguer Vasquez suspended by MLB, released

HOUSTON (AP) Major League Baseball indefinitely suspended Houston Astros minor leaguer Danry Vasquez following his arrest on suspicion of assault family violence, and the outfielder was released by the team.

Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said Wednesday the suspension is pending the outcome of a criminal investigation.

A Corpus Christi police spokesman said Tuesday the 22-year-old was arrested on a warrant Aug. 4. That was two days after he allegedly struck his girlfriend multiple times at the home stadium of the Double-A Hooks.

Vasquez had not played for the Hooks since July 31 and is free on $10,000 bond for the misdemeanor charge. He was not on Houston's 40-man roster and so was not protected by the players' association.

The Astros said in a statement ''we are appreciative of MLB's commitment to take timely action and for the diligence of the Corpus Christi PD in pursuing their investigation.''

A native of Venezuela, Vasquez was acquired from Detroit in 2013 for reliever Jose Veras. In 60 games this season, Vasquez was hitting .265 with three home runs and 20 RBIs.

The Corpus Christi Caller-Times on Tuesday, citing an arrest affidavit, said video surveillance at the minor league stadium captured the alleged attack. The affidavit said Hooks officials reported they discovered the footage after being approached by a male employee who told them Vasquez threatened him.