MLB interviewing players as part of drug probe

MLB has started interviewing players in its investigation of alleged PED use.(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Major League Baseball has started interviewing players as part of their probe into whether the former owner of a South Florida clinic was responsible for distributing performance-enhancing drugs to as many as 20 players, reports the Associated Press.

Interviews started three weeks ago and will continue until the end of the June, the report states.

ESPN.com reported yesterday that the league was preparing to suspend New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez, Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun and others connected to the Biogenesis clinic in Miami.

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Melky Cabrera, Oakland Athletics pitcher Bartolo Colon and San Diego Padres catcher Yasmani Grandal have all received 50-game suspensions for failing PED tests and all had reported connections with Bosch.

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MLB has been seeking the cooperation of Biogenesis founder Anthony Bosch since the Miami New Times reported in January that it had records detailing drug purchases by Rodriguez, Cabrera, Cruz and Colon. ESPN also reported that Bosch is ready to cooperate after months of denials that he had no involvement with the players.

"It would be unfortunate if anyone prejudged those investigations,'' union head Michael Weiner said in a statement Wednesday.

''Every player has been or will be represented by an attorney from the players' association,'' Weiner said. ''The players' association has every interest in both defending the rights of players and in defending the integrity of our joint (drug) program. We trust that the commissioner's office shares these interests.''

Braun, the 2011 National League MVP, did not have much to say about the issue outside of a statement he released.

"I've already addressed everything related to the Miami situation. I addressed it in Spring Training. I will not make any further statements about it. The truth has not changed. I don't know the specifics of the story that came out today, but I've already addressed it. I've already commented on it, and I'll say nothing further about it," the statement said.