Domestic violence accusations could stall Chapman-to-Dodgers deal

The Los Angeles Dodgers' proposed deal to acquire Aroldis Chapman from the Cincinnati Reds hit a potential roadblock Monday night when Yahoo Sports reported that the All-Star closer was accused of domestic violence in October.

Reds officials confirmed to the Cincinnati Enquirer that the trade for two minor-leaguers was not complete, despite earlier reports that Chapman merely needed to pass a physical to complete the transaction.

According to Yahoo Sports, Chapman's girlfriend told police in Davie, Fla., that he choked her and pushed her into a wall. Chapman admitted firing eight shots with a handgun in his garage during the incident, but no arrests were made. The assistant state attorney declined to file charges in the subsequent days, citing insufficient evidence.

Chapman's attorney, Jay Reisinger, told Yahoo Sports on Monday night, "I've reviewed the facts as portrayed. On behalf of Mr. Chapman, we vehemently deny the allegations as stated. Beyond that, we have no further comment at this time."

Reds president of baseball operations Walt Jocketty said last month that he hoped to move the hard-throwing left-hander before Major League Baseball's annual Winter Meetings, which began Monday in Nashville, Tenn.

Chapman, entering the final year of his contract, has averaged more than 15 strikeouts per nine innings in six years in the majors since defecting from Cuba.

The 27-year-old flame-thrower had several pitches clocked at 101 mph or faster last season, including one at 102.3 mph, according to FanGraphs.

Chapman's career 2.17 ERA with 146 saves could be teamed with established Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen, who had 80 saves for Los Angeles the past two seasons.

The Dodgers are also in the market for arms to add to their rotation.

Right-hander Zack Greinke, who won 19 games for the Dodgers last season, agreed to a reported six-year, $206 million deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday.