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Dodgers' Urias suspended 20 games for violating domestic violence policy

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Major League Baseball has suspended Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Julio Urias for 20 games for violating the league's joint domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse policy, according to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com.

Urias was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence in May after police responded to a call about a man and woman arguing in the parking lot at the Beverly Center shopping mall. Urias was cited for a misdemeanor and later released on a $20,000 bond.

"Today I accepted a suspension from Major League Baseball and agreed not to exercise my right to appeal," Urias said in a statement released by the MLBPA. " ... Since May, I have been fully cooperating with both law enforcement and MLB. Although the authorities determined no charges of any kind were warranted, I accept full responsibility for what I believe was my inappropriate conduct during the incident.

"Even in this instance where there was no injury or history of violence, I understand that Major League players should be held to a higher standard. I hold myself to a higher standard as well. I have taken proactive steps to help me grow as a person on and off the field, and in my relationships, including attending counseling sessions."

The league promptly placed Urias on administrative leave while it investigated the incident, a move that needs to be renewed every seven days. But the league allowed his leave to lapse after five games and Urias was able to rejoin the Dodgers' active roster. The 23-year-old will begin serving the remaining 15 games of the suspension immediately.

"While we are disappointed in what occurred and support the decision by the commissioner's office, we are also encouraged that Julio has taken responsibility for his actions and believe he will take the necessary steps to learn from this incident," the Dodgers said in a statement acquired by Gurnick.

In a corresponding roster move, the Dodgers have recalled right-handed reliever Casey Sadler.

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