MLB puts Colorado Rockies' Jose Reyes on paid leave

Major League Baseball took the onus off the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday when it placed Jose Reyes on paid leave pending the completion of an investigation into the shortstop's alleged role in a domestic violence incident in October.

The leave will mean Reyes will not be allowed to participate in spring training, a dilemma the Rockies were facing as Reyes awaits possible punishment under MLB's new domestic violence policy.

Reyes was arrested following an incident with his wife at the Wailea Four Seasons Resort in Hawaii last October.

He was charged with abuse of a family and/or household member and has pleaded not guilty. Reyes is set to go on trial on April 4, when the Rockies open the season against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

In August MLB and the MLB Players Association announced a new policy on domestic violence that grants commissioner Rob Manfred full discretion in disciplining players deemed to have violated the guidelines.

A statement released by The Players Association on Tuesday read: "We are closely monitoring the proceedings in Hawaii, as well as the Commissioner's actions under the Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Police.

"If further discipline is issued, or if Mr. Reyes' paid suspension is not resolved in a timely fashion, the Players Association will work with Mr. Reyes to ensure that all of his rights under the Police are protected.

"Pursuant to the confidentiality provisions of the Policy, the Players Association will have no further comment at this time."

The commissioner has the authority to deliver punishment immediately regardless of a player's legal status, and there is no minimum or maximum penalty that can be imposed.

Manfred is expected to issue Reyes' punishment before opening day.