Jul 25, 2023; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Domingo German (0) reacts after allowing a three run home run to New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso (20) during the third inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
MLB: New York Mets at New York Yankees
(Tampa, FL) – Now a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates, former Yankees right hander Domingo German is opening up about what happened last season when he went on a rampage inside the Bronx Bombers’ clubhouse.
“That was a dark day for me,” German told NJ.com. “I couldn’t control my temper.”
According to reports, German flipped over clubhouse furniture and was suspected of being drunk last August.
He then went for alcohol counseling and treatment. It marked the end of a bizarre season in which German threw the 24th perfect game in MLB history, against the largely punch-less Oakland A’s in late June. Eventually, German was designated for assignment and became a free agent before signing in Pittsburgh.
German disputes that he was intoxicated that day. “I didn’t drink anything that day. I had a few drinks the night before, but I wasn’t incoherent (the next day). I knew exactly what I was doing that day of the game.”
But, the pitcher admits he didn’t have a good handle on the situation. “
That was a dark day for me,” German said. “I couldn’t control my temper.” He’s also apparently still drinking. “I drink when I want to drink, but I don’t have any problem,” German maintained while speaking to NJ.com. “I can go a month or two months without drinking.”
German also says he only agreed to attend rehab for financial reasons. “I went because the Yankees weren’t going to pay me. I was told that I would be there for a month. My wife and family nudged me to go.
They reminded me that I needed the money. My family told me, ‘You’re going to come out of here feeling better and you’re going to save your salary.’”
If German refused, the Yankees may have fought to keep the roughly $870,000 remaining of his $2.6 million contract – according to the pitcher’s account anyway.
The clubhouse blowup and concerns over alcohol were not the first instance of trouble for German and the Yankees.
In 2020 he received a 81-game suspension under MLB’s domestic violence policy, after he allegedly assaulted his then-girlfriend Mara at a charity event organized by CC Sabathia’s foundation. German and Mara later married.
Over his six year career, German has posted a 31 win and 28 loss record, with a 4.41 era. He signed a minor league deal with Pittsburgh, and figures to start the season with Triple-A Indianapolis.
