Alex Rodriguez Suspension: A-Rod Gets 211-Game Suspension
Alex Rodriguez got a 211-game suspension. Major League Baseball, MLB, announced suspensions for 13 players on Monday, including Alex Rodriguez. Twelve of the players suspended following MLB’s investigation into Biogenesis, an anti-aging clinic in Miami under scrutiny for peddling performance-enhancing drugs, have agreed to begin serving their punishments immediately, according to Major League Baseball. The lone holdout appeared to be A-Rod.
MLB hit the three-time American League MVP with regular-season ban of 211 games that will sideline him through the 2014 season unless it is reduced upon appeal. According to Major League Baseball, A-Rod won’t begin serving his suspension until the completion of any appeal. Each of the remaining suspensions meted out by MLB was capped at 50 games. All-Stars Nelson Cruz, Jhonny Peralta and Everth Cabrera highlighted the list of players suspended alongside A-Rod. All punishments were for violations of MLB’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.
Here are the 13 players suspended on Monday as well as the duration of their bans.
• Alex Rodriguez, Yankees third baseman, 211 games
• Nelson Cruz, Rangers outfielder, 50 games
• Jhonny Peralta, Tigers shortstop, 50 games
• Everth Cabrera, Padres shortstop, 50 games
• Antonio Bastardo, Phillies reliever, 50 games
• Jordany Valdespin, Mets outfielder, 50 games
• Francisco Cervelli, Yankees catcher, 50 games
• Jesus Montero, Mariners catcher, 50 games
• Cesar Puello, Mets outfielder (minors), 50 games
• Sergio Escalona, Astros pitcher (minors), 50 games
• Fernando Martinez, Yankees outfielder (minors), 50 games
• Fautino De Los Santos, Padres pitcher, 50 games
• Jordan Norberto, free-agent pitcher, 50 games
According to a statement released by MLB Public Relations, all players facing 50-game suspensions will begin serving them immediately without appeal with the exception of Norberto. His suspension will begin as soon as he signs with a new team. Despite being hit with such a hefty ban, Rodriguez may actually make his 2013 debut for the New York Yankees on Monday night in Chicago.