The New York Yankees have placed pitcher Domingo German on the restricted list after he voluntarily entered a treatment facility for alcohol abuse, the team announced on Wednesday. General manager Brian Cashman stated that German's decision to seek treatment came after an incident that occurred on Tuesday. While Cashman did not provide specific details about the incident, he did acknowledge that German has dealt with alcohol abuse issues in the past.

Cashman expressed the seriousness of the situation, emphasizing that alcohol abuse affects many people and that German's decision to seek treatment is an important step towards addressing the problem. The Yankees do not expect German to pitch again this season.

The news came as a shock to German's teammates, who described the day as emotional in the clubhouse. Pitcher Gerrit Cole expressed concern for German's well-being and expressed hopes that he would receive the necessary help.

Cashman clarified that German's alcohol abuse issue was unrelated to his recent absence from a start due to armpit discomfort. The team had initially attributed his absence to the physical ailment.

This is not the first time that German has faced disciplinary action related to off-field issues. In 2019, he was suspended for 81 games for violating MLB's joint domestic violence policy after a reported incident involving his then-girlfriend. The Athletic later reported that German had been intoxicated on the night of the incident. He was reinstated in 2020.

Despite these off-field troubles, German has had a mixed season on the mound. He was suspended for 10 games in May for failing a foreign-substance check but achieved a significant milestone on June 28 when he pitched a perfect game against the Oakland Athletics.

The Yankees are familiar with players seeking treatment for alcoholism, as former pitcher CC Sabathia also took a leave of absence during the 2015 season to address his own struggles with alcohol abuse.

In light of German's absence, the Yankees have activated Nestor Cortes to rejoin the rotation. Cortes had been expected to make a rehab start but was informed of the change in plans. The lefty had been sidelined with a left rotator cuff strain but has since recovered and is eager to contribute to the team's playoff push.

The Yankees currently sit 3 ? games back in the AL wild card race and believe that with improved play and the return of Cortes, they still have a chance to make the playoffs.

In other roster moves, the Yankees have activated reliever Keynan Middleton and pitcher Jonathan Loaisiga is making progress in his rehab assignment. Outfielder Willie Calhoun has elected free agency after being designated for assignment by the team.