Facing Suspension, Manny Ramirez Retires
In a surprising turn of events, Manny Ramirez has retired from baseball. According to reports, Ramirez tested positive for a banned substance and was facing a 100 game suspension.
"Major League Baseball recently notified Manny Ramirez of an issue under Major League Baseball's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program," MLB said in a statement. "Rather than continue with the process under the Program, Ramirez has informed MLB that he is retiring as an active player. If Ramirez seeks reinstatement in the future, the process under the Drug Program will be completed. MLB will not have any further comment on this matter."
The commissioner's office announced Ramirez's decision in a statement, but did not say whether he tested positive for a banned substance. Ramirez previously served a 50-game suspension for violating the drug policy while he was with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
However, according to Will Carroll, of SI.com, Ramirez tested positive for a banned substance and was facing a 100-game suspension.
Ramirez played 24 games for the Chicago White Sox last season. In his brief time in Chicago, he hit for a .261 batting average hit one home run and drove in two RBI.
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"The Tampa Bay Rays were informed today by the Commissioner's Office that Manny Ramirez has decided to retire after being informed of an issue under the Drug Program," the Rays said in a statement. "We are obviously surprised and disappointed by this news. We will have no further comment on this matter, and our fans and organization will carry on."
He's a career .312 hitter with 555 home runs in 18-plus seasons, including some of his best seasons with the Cleveland Indians and Boston Red Sox.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.
