A-Rod Suspended Through 2014, 12 Others Banned for 50 Games (@arod)

On Monday the MLB suspended Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez through the end of the 2014 season and post-season, while 12 other players accepted 50-game suspensions. All players were suspended for their dealings with Biogenesis, a now-closed Miami clinic that was a source for performance-enhancing drugs.

A-Rod’s suspension was especially harsh because he interfered with MLB’s investigation.

Rodriguez is expected to appeal his suspension. He’s been out with a hip injury but is expected to play Monday night when the Yankees take on the Chicago White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field.

The appeal process could take 2-to-4 weeks.

Those who caught 50-game suspensions include:

Nelson Cruz – Texas Rangers

Jhonny Peralta – Detroit Tigers

Antonio Bastardo – Philadelphia Phillies

Jordany Valdespin – New York Mets

Sergio Escalano – Houston Astros

Everth Cabrera – San Diego Padres

Francisco Cervelli – New York Yankees

Jesus Montero – Seattle Mariners

Fernando Martinez – New York Yankees

Cesar Puello – New York Mets

Fautino de los Santos – San Diego Padres

Jordan Norberto – Free agent

All suspensions are effective immediately and without pay.

MLB issued a statement explaining the penalties against Rodriguez:

“Rodriguez’s discipline under the Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program is based on his use and possession of numerous forms of prohibited performance-enhancing substances, including Testosterone and human Growth Hormone, over the course of multiple years. Rodriguez’s discipline under the Basic Agreement is for attempting to cover-up his violations of the Program by engaging in a course of conduct intended to obstruct and frustrate the Office of the Commissioner’s investigation. The suspension, which will become effective on Thursday, August 8th, will cover 211 Championship Season games and any 2013 Postseason games in which Rodriguez otherwise would have been eligible to play.”

Source: chicagotribune.com