Major League Baseball has been investigating multiple players for their alleged use of performance-enhancing drugs and for possible connection to the now-defunct Biogenesis Lab for several months.
With numerous suspensions expected to come early this week, the MLB followed through on their promise to reprimand those who used the illegal substances, suspending 12 players on Monday after already penalizing Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun in July. The suspension Ryan Braun agreed to last month was for 65 games.
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As expected, New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez received the harshest penalty with the 38-year-old receiving a suspension through the 2014 season.
According to ESPN, the 14-time All-Star is being punished under the Joint Drug Agreement and although the suspension is certainly the most severe penalty handed out by the league, Rodriguez will be able to play while he appeals the punishment.
Releasing information on the decision that ultimately came from Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig, MLB.com also indicated that Rodriguez can file a grievance challenging his recent discipline, though the suspension will become effective on Thursday, August 8.
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Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig announced today that third baseman Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees has been suspended without pay for the remainder of the 2013 Championship Season and Postseason and the entire 2014 Championship Season for violations of the Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program and the Basic Agreement.
Rodriguez's discipline under the Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program is based on his use and possession of numerous forms of prohibited performance-enhancing substances, including Testosterone and human Growth Hormone, over the course of multiple years.
Rodriguez's discipline under the Basic Agreement is for attempting to cover-up his violations of the Program by engaging in a course of conduct intended to obstruct and frustrate the Office of the Commissioner's investigation.
Though their penalties were not as severe, 12 other players suffered significant penalties on Monday, without the right to appeal.
Players Receiving 50-Game Suspensions
Nelson Cruz - Texas Rangers outfielder
Everth Cabrera - San Diego Padres shortstop
Antonio Bastardo - Philadelphia Phillies pitcher
Jhonny Peralta - Detroit Tigers shortstop
Francisco Cervelli - New York Yankees catcher (currently on DL)
Jordany Valdespin - New York Mets outfielder (minor leagues)
Jesus Montero - Seattle Mariners catcher (minor leagues)
Sergio Escalona - Houston Astros pitcher (minor leagues)
Cesar Puello - New York Mets outfielder (minor leagues)
Fernando Martinez - New York Yankees outfielder (minor leagues)
Jordan Norberto - free agent pitcher
Fautino De Los Santos - free agent pitcher
Since Alex Rodriguez will be granted the ability to play while he appeals the suspension, the New York Yankees and manager Joe Girardi are planning on having their regular third baseman back in the line-up as the team travels to Chicago to take on the lowly White Sox.
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"I think all of us are curious as to what's going to happen," Girardi said recently concerning what the outcome of the suspensions would be. Is Alex going to be a player for us tomorrow, what's going to happen with the other guys. In my mind, I have him penciled in [Monday]."
"I suspect it will be business as usual," he said when asked if there will be an awkward feel to the clubhouse once Rodriguez returns. "There will be more media, but that's for Alex, not for the rest of the team."
The New York Yankees are currently 9 ½ games behind the first place Boston Red Sox in the American League East and 4 ½ games behind Cleveland for the final Wild Card spot.
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