New York Yankees pitcher Aroldis Chapman suspended for 30 games under MLB's new domestic violence policy after he allegedly choked his girlfriend

New York Yankees pitcher Aroldis Chapman has been suspended for 30 games under the Major League Baseball's new domestic violence policy.

He is due to lose out on more than $1.8million of his salary after he was accused of choking his girlfriend, Cristina Barnea, 22, and firing a gun eight times in his garage after an argument last October.

Chapman, 28, turned down the opportunity to appeal the suspension in order to 'minimize distractions'.

In a statement, he wrote: 'I want to be clear, I did not in any way harm my girlfriend that evening. However I should have exercised better judgement with respect to certain actions, and for that I am sorry.' 

Relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman, left, has been suspended for 30 games under the new MLB domestic violence policy instituted in August 2015. He was accused of choking his girlfriend Cristina Barnea, right

According to the police report filed on October 30, 2015, the couple got into an argument after Barnea (right) looked through Chapman's phone and saw something she did not like

According to the police report, Barnea claims Chapman pushed her against the wall and choked her in his home near Davie, Florida, after she looked through his phone and found something 'she did not like'.

The report stated however, that 'there were no injuries or even redness anywhere on her neck or chest'.

Barnea's brother also got involved and allegedly pushed Chapman to the ground. Friends and family members stepped in and broke them apart, the report said.

After the argument, Barnea said she left the house and hid in the bushes where she called the police.

Chapman's version to the police claimed that his girlfriend fell over after he poked her on the shoulder with his index and middle fingers. 

He acknowledged later punching the glass window of his car and firing shots while he was alone in the garage.

Seven of the bullets went into a concrete wall inside the garage while an eighth flew through a window and out into a field, the police report said

The Davie Police Department did not charge the Cuban-born baseball player after they received conflicting stories and insufficient evidence. They also reported 'a lack of cooperation from all parties involved.'

According to a previous police report regarding a possible burglary, Chapman said he and Barnea had a child together.  

After the argument, Barnea said she left the house and hid in the bushes where she called the police. The two had a child together according to a previous police report regarding a possible burglary

Chapman's version to the police claimed that his girlfriend (pictured) fell over after he poked her on the shoulder with his index and middle fingers

He acknowledged later punching the glass window of his car and firing shots while he was alone in the garage

 Chapman released a statement stating he would not launch an appeal in order to 'minimize distractions' 

Capman's suspension will begin on Opening Day on April 4, and ESPN calculated that he stands to lose more than $1,850,000 from his salary.

He will still be able to participate in training and pre-season games. Barring rainouts, he will be eligible to start his season on May 9 when the Yankees host Kansas City.

Chapman is the first player penalized a finite number of games under the new policy instituted in August following several high-profile incidents among NFL players.

Colorado shortstop Jose Reyes was given an indefinite paid suspension last week, pending a trial scheduled for April 4, following an alleged altercation with him and his wife in October. 

Under MLB's domestic violence policy, discipline does not have to be predicated on a conviction.

Commissioner Rob Manfred said: 'After reviewing the staff report, I found Mr. Chapman's acknowledged conduct on that day to be inappropriate under the negotiated Policy, particularly his use of a firearm and the impact of that behavior on his partner. 

'I am gratified that Mr. Chapman has taken responsibility for his conduct, that he has agreed not to appeal the 30-game suspension.' 

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred (left) said Chapman's 'use of a firearm and the impact of that behavior on his partner' was 'inappropriate under the negotiated Policy, which is not predicated on a conviction

Chapman previously said he would contest any suspension, but a deal was reached following negotiations with MLB.

His statement read: 'I want to be clear, I did not in any way harm my girlfriend that evening. However, I should have exercised better judgment with respect to certain actions, and for that I am sorry. 

'The decision to accept a suspension, as opposed to appealing one, was made after careful consideration. 

'I made this decision in an effort to minimize the distractions that an appeal would cause the Yankees, my new teammates and most importantly, my family.'

Chapman, the hardest-throwing pitcher in the major leagues, was traded from the Cincinnati Reds to the Yankees in December. 

'We need him,' teammate Alex Rodriguez said Tuesday before the suspension was announced. 

'He's a big part of our team, and I think the key in New York is you have to focus on the game, focus on your teammates, and I think he has a lot of support in that clubhouse.'

Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig is under investigation by MLB for a fight with a bouncer at a Miami bar in November following an argument with his sister.