Atlanta Braves Outfielder Marcell Ozuna Arrested

Photo: Gwinnett County Jail

Atlanta Braves outfielder Marcell Ozuna was arrested early Friday (August 19) morning.

Ozuna, 31, was charged with driving under the influence and failure to maintain lane changes, according to Gwinnett County Jail records obtained by Channel 2 Action News, who said they reached out to the Braves for a statement on Friday.

The Dominican native is currently hitting for a .214 average with 20 home runs and 46 RBI in 107 appearances during the 2022 MLB season, but was benched for each of Atlanta's past three consecutive games amid a recent slump in which he recorded a slash line of 184/.192/.329 and a 32.1% strikeout rate in his last 19 games since returning from the All-Star break.

Ozuna's arrest on Friday is the latest in a string of recent legal issues.

The 31-year-old was accused of assaulting and strangling his estranged wife during an incident on May 2021, which she claimed stemmed from an argument over infidelity and resulted in her being choked and thrown against a wall, as well as Ozuna threatening to kill her, according to court documents obtained by Channel 2 Action News.

Ozuna agreed to complete Georgia's pre-trial diversion program in September, which gives first-time offenders the option to complete requirements ahead of their scheduled court date in exchange for their case being dismissed.

The outfielder was suspended 20 games without pay by Major League Baseball and placed on administrative leave during the investigation before being reinstated during the 2022 season.

Ozuna is a two-time All-Star (2016, 2017), a two-time Silver Slugger (2017, 2020), a Gold Glove Award (2017) winner and an Edgar Martinez Award winner, as well as an All-MLB First Team selection and the National League leader for home runs and RBI during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.

Ozuna had previously played for the Miami Marlins (2013-17) and St. Louis Cardinals (2018-19) before signing with the Braves in 2020.


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