Major League Baseball is investigating New York Mets outfielder Khalil Lee for a violation of its domestic violence policy, a person familiar with the investigation confirmed to USA TODAY Sports.
The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the investigation is ongoing.
Lee, 24, was named in a warrant by Syracuse police alleging misdemeanor obstruction of breath, according to Syracuse.com, which also reported that Lee's ex-girlfriend filed a federal lawsuit alleging he abused her.
Lee played in 100 games for the Mets' Class AAA affiliate in Syracuse last season. The federal lawsuit, filed by Keriwyn Hill of Brooklyn, alleges that Lee pulled her and choked her during an argument on May 7, 2022, according to Syracuse.com. Hill had traveled to Syracuse from her Brooklyn home; she and Lee had dated the previous year.
The alleged incident occurred after Hill questioned Lee about text messages on his phone; she stated that in the ensuing argument, Lee pulled her backward by her braids, causing her to hit the kitchen island, and he proceeded to choke her. An arrest warrant was signed Aug. 10.
Lee, acquired by the Mets from Kansas City in a three-way trade in February 2021, made his major league debut on May 17, 2021. He made 18 plate appearances that season, plus two more in an abbreviated 2022 call-up. He was not projected to make the Mets' opening-day roster but would likely be on the short list of players summoned in case of injury.
In a statement, the Mets said they are cooperating with MLB's investigation.
"The Mets immediately notified MLB upon becoming aware of the allegations," the club said in a statement to USA TODAY Sports. "We will fully comply with MLB's policy and cannot comment until the completion of the league's investigative process."
MLB's domestic violence policy can assess suspensions even in the absence of convictions.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mets' Khalil Lee investigated by MLB under domestic violence policy
