Spotlight on Rodriguez as MLB readies player suspensions

CBS News has learned as many as 15 major leaguers -- including the highest paid player in the game, Alex Rodriguez -- will receive heavy penalties. Some of them have already agreed not to challenge lengthy suspensions.

Rodriguez warmed up Friday for a minor league rehab game in the evening in Trenton, N.J. Injuries have kept him off the field all season, but the league has set a deadline for Monday on the suspension that may put an end to his career.

A major league baseball team executive told CBS News Rodriguez is one of as many as 15 players implicated in using performance enhancing drugs from a Florida clinic.

A source with knowledge of the investigation says several players have accepted suspensions, while others continue to negotiate.

So why is it taking so long for these suspensions to be meted out?

"The delay is really baseball trying to get as many players as possible to just accept the suspensions without fighting them through arbitration," said T.J. Quinn, an investigative reporter with ESPN.

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Alex Rodriguez expected to be suspended by MLB over PED use

Most players are expected to miss 50 games. But Rodriguez is facing more serious punishment. He's not only accused of using banned substances; the league says he recruited other players to use the clinic, obstructed the investigation, destroyed evidence and tried to intimidate witnesses.

CBS News has learned the league is considering two options, suspending him for the rest of this season and next, or a lifetime ban.

Alex Rodriguez plays Friday night and Saturday night in Trenton. He will give a press conference following the game Friday evening. If no suspension is handed down this weekend, the Yankees say he could rejoin them in San Diego on Sunday.