NEW YORK, Dec. 19 Former Seattle Mariner relief pitcher Julio Matteo has admitted beating his wife in a New York hotel in a plea deal that spares him a jail term.
The plea agreement allows Matteo to remain in the United States, The New York Post reported Wednesday. He must attend a domestic violence program.
The assault occurred in May at the New York Hilton. Matteo beat Santa Martina-Sanchez after she told him she planned to move back to the Dominican Republic with their children.
Police said that Matteo hit his wife in the face and eye, choked her and bit her lip. She reportedly needed five stitches to close one wound.
The Mariners traded Matteo to Philadelphia this year. The Phillies released him after sending him to the minor leagues.
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