Antonio Bastardo Gets 50-Game Suspension, Rodriguez Reportedly Through 2014
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Phillies left-handed reliever Antonio Bastardo will be suspended 50 games by Major League Baseball for a violation of the league's drug policy.
CBS Sports' Jon Heyman reports that Bastardo is one of 13 players to be suspended in the BioGensis scandal.
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)
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)
All except A-Rod will receive the standard 50-game ban for first-time offenders and are expected to accept the suspensions -- which are effective immediately -- without appeal. Rodriguez will reportedly be suspended for the remainder of 2013 and all of 2014 for allegedly trying to interfere with the investigation. He plans to appeal, according to Heyman.
Bastardo has been one of the few reliable pieces of the Phillies bullpen this season, with a 3-2 record and a 2.32 ERA in 48 appearances, while striking out almost 10 batters per nine innings.
The Phillies issued a statement regarding Bastardo's suspension:
"Obviously, the Phillies are very disappointed to learn of Antonio Bastardo's violation of Major League Baseball's Drug Program. We strongly believe in the Program and look forward to a time when performance enhancing drugs are completely out of baseball. Hopefully the sanctions announced today will bring us closer to that day. We respect the fact that Antonio has acknowledged his serious mistake and accepted his 50-game suspension."
