Nelson Cruz headlines players suspended in MLB Biogenesis case
Nelson Cruz will accept a 50-game ban from Major League Baseball. (Harry How/Getty Images)
Texas Rangers outfielder Nelson Cruz headlines a group of 12 players that have been suspended 50 games in connection with the Florida-based clinic, Biogenesis, according to multiple reports.
According to the Associated Press and Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, the following players have been suspended 50 games:
- Detroit Tigers shortstop Jhonny Peralta
- Philadelphia Phillies reliever Antonio Bastardo
- San Diego Padres infielder Everth Cabrera and reliever Fautino de los Santos
- New York Yankees catcher Francisco Cervelli and minor league outfielder Fernando Martinez
- Seattle Mariners catcher Jesus Montero
- Houston Astros reliever Sergio Escalona
- New York Mets infielder Jordany Valdespin and minor league outfielder Cesar Puello.
- Free agent pitcher Jordan Norberto
Earlier in the month, MLB Commissioner Bud Selig suspended Ryan Braun 65 games for multiple unspecified “violations” of the league’s drug program and labor contract. He became the first player punished as a result of MLB’s investigation into Biogenesis of America, a now-closed anti-aging clinic.
Cruz decided to forgo appealing his suspension and continue playing with the Rangers because Cruz will become a free agent at the end of the season. By serving his suspension this season, Cruz can be ready to play in all of 2014 without further discipline.
PHOTOS: Players linked to Biogenesis
Cruz fired his agent from the ACES group and has hired Adam Katz, according to an ESPNDallas.com report. Cruz recently said he was worried not only for his own fate but he’s “definitely concerned” about the team as well. Cruz has hit a team-leading 26 home runs while driving in a team-high 75 RBIs this year for the Rangers.
Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez has not been listed among those suspended in the Biogenesis case but he is reportedly facing a suspension that would stretch through the 2014 season. According to the reports, Rodriguez will be allowed to play for the Yankees throughout the appeal process. An official announcement is expected Monday.
