PORT ST. LUCIE — Jeurys Familia reported to Mets camp Tuesday and held a brief news conference in which he refused to answer any questions about his pending domestic-violence case with Major League Baseball.
“First of all, just getting here together today, I’d really like to focus on baseball-related questions,” the Mets closer said, through an interpreter, in introductory comments. “My lawyer’s advice is that I don’t speak about anything related to my case.”
Mets media relations coordinator Melissa Rodriguez interpreted for the Dominican-born Familia, who typically speaks to the press without such assistance on lower-stakes matters. Familia took about four minutes of questions as he sat next to Rodriguez and Mets vice president of media relations Jay Horwitz, who animatedly advised Familia not to engage in most of the queries.
Major League Baseball is investigating Familia’s arrest last Oct. 31 at his home in Fort Lee, NJ, following a dispute with his wife, Bianca Rivas, that prompted Rivas to call the police. Though the case has been dismissed by the New Jersey legal system, the right-hander is extremely likely to receive a suspension from MLB, probably in the 30-to-50 game range. Commissioner Rob Manfred has said he expects a resolution on the case by the end of spring training.
His teammates greeted Familia, who showed up a day late due to visa problems, with hugs.
“I’m very happy about this upcoming season,” Familia said. “I think it’s a very meaningful one for us just because we’ve now had two previous seasons where we’ve made it very far.”
His actions and the probable consequences will make the Mets’ task harder.
Asked whether he would speak about his case once it has played out through baseball’s legal process, Familia said, “I’m just going to go based off whatever my lawyer suggests.”
Familia, who made a cameo appearance in the Dominican Winter League and plans to pitch for Team Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic, said he “of course” will prepare as if he’ll be with the Mets for the start of the season. Those preparations almost certainly will change once he learns of his fate.
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