MLB Announces 13 Biogenesis Related Suspensions
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – As the baseball awaits word on the exact length of the suspension coming to Alex Rodriguez, a total of 13 other players have accepted their punishments without appeal for taking performance enhancing drugs supplied by the Coral Gables-based Biogenesis clinic.
According to CBSSports.com's Jon Heyman, the players who have been suspended are:
- Astros: LHP Sergio Escalona (minors)
- Mariners: C Jesus Montero (minors)
- Mets: UTIL Jordany Valdespin and OF Cesar Puello (both minors)
- Padres: SS Everth Cabrera and RHP Fautino De Los Santos (minors)
- Phillies: LHP Antonio Bastardo
- Rangers: OF Nelson Cruz
- Tigers: SS Jhonny Peralta
- Yankees: 3B Alex Rodriguez, C Francisco Cervelli and OF Fernando Martinez (minors)
- No Team: LHP Jordan Norberto (free agent)
Of the suspensions, the loss of Cruz for the Rangers may be the toughest for a team to overcome. Cruz was tied for fourth in the AL in home runs with 27 on the season. Replacing that kind of offensive production in the middle of a pennant race could cripple Texas' playoff hopes.
All of the players will be suspended for 50 games as first-time offenders in the performance-enhancing drug penalty. All are also expected to accept the suspensions, which will take effect immediately.
Rodriguez will likely be suspended for the remainder of the current season and the entire 2014 season, according to published reports. A-Rod is expected to be the only player to appeal his likely suspension.
