Castro goes on administrative leave, Nats add catcher Rivera

Major League Baseball placed Starlin Castro on administrative leave this afternoon while the league investigates an allegation that the Nationals third baseman committed domestic violence.

In a brief release announcing the transaction, MLB said Castro has been placed on leave "under the Joint MLB-MLBPA Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy."

Per the policy, the initial period of administrative leave may last up to seven days, though an extension is allowed. MLB said it would provide further comment "at the appropriate time."

Castro is neither suspended nor loses pay while he is on leave. His removal from the active roster does not constitute an admission of guilt.

This transaction comes one month after Castro spent two days on the restricted list and returned to his home to deal with what manager Davey Martinez said was a "family matter."

The 31-year-old had been on a tear at the plate since rejoining the club following his brief time away. In 24 games since, he was batting .407 (33-for-81) with nine doubles, one homer, 15 RBIs and a 1.017 OPS.

With Castro now off the active roster, the Nationals activated Jordy Mercer off the 10-day injured list. The veteran infielder had been out since July 2 with a strained right quadriceps muscle.

The Nats also made another transaction to shore up their depleted catching situation by signing veteran René Rivera to a major league contract and optioning Jakson Reetz to Triple-A Rochester.

Rivera, 37, hit .236 with two homers, nine RBIs and a .700 OPS in 21 games this season for Cleveland. The 13-year veteran owns a .221 career batting average and .628 OPS across 13 seasons with nine different big league clubs.

Thus, the Nats enter this weekend's series against the Padres with Rivera and rookie Tres Barrera as their two active catchers. Both Yan Gomes (strained oblique) and Alex Avila (bilateral calf strains) remain on the IL, even though Avila is now eligible to return.