Erisbel Arruebarrena disciplined for 'repeated failures to comply' to deal

SAN FRANCISCO -- Infielder Erisbel Arruebarrena was a major league player at this time last year. Now he's a man without a team at any level.

Arruebarrena was suspended by the Los Angeles Dodgers for the remainder of the season on Thursday for what the team said was "repeated failures to comply with his contract."

Club officials declined further comment.

Arruebarrena signed a $25 million, five-year contract in February 2014. He split the season among four minor league teams and the Dodgers and made his big league debut on last May 23. He hit .195 in 22 games for Los Angeles.

The Dodgers designated him for assignment on Dec. 31, and when he cleared waivers he was sent outright to the team's Triple-A affiliate.

The 25-year-old Cuban remained at extended spring training and did not play in any minor league games this year, when his deal calls for a $3 million salary. The club does not have to pay him while he is on the suspended list.

An appeal would be heard by baseball commissioner Rob Manfred.

Arruebarrena was at the center of a major brawl in Triple-A last year, at one point taking off his helmet and throwing it at former major leaguer Mike Jacobs.

Los Angeles has committed more than $165 million to Cuban players in recent years, also agreeing to major league contracts with outfielder Yasiel Puig ($42 million from 2012-18), infielder Hector Olivera ($62.5 million from 2015-20) and infielder Alex Guerrero ($28 million from 2014-17). The Dodgers agreed to a minor league deal with right-hander Pablo Fernandez that included an $8 million signing bonus.