It was business as usual at Yankee Stadium on Thursday as the team prepared for an evening game against the Los Angeles Angels. Then, at 1:36 p.m., Major League Baseball announced that Yankees pitcher Domingo German had been placed on administrative leave under its domestic violence policy — a precursor to a larger investigation and a possible suspension just days before the postseason.

Within hours staff members were removing issues of Yankees Magazine, which had German on the cover, from the stands. German, who had pitched the night before, was barred from the stadium and from speaking with team officials during the leave.

Administrative leave can last up to seven days — though it can be extended for further investigation — but the Yankees have carried on as though they will not have German, one of their most consistent starting pitchers, for the rest of the regular season or for the playoffs.

In fact, according to two people familiar with the case who requested anonymity to discuss details of an active investigation, German is unlikely to pitch again this year. The Yankees claimed a spot in the playoffs on Thursday by winning their first division title since 2012.