Alex Rodriguez Suspended 211 Games, Likely to Play Tonight

Alex Rodriguez' alleged involvement with the Biogenesis clinic in South Florida and performance-enhancing drugs has earned him a 211-game suspension.

A list of 12 players are expected to accept 50-game suspensions Monday following an investigation by MLB on players connected to the clinic, which allegedly was dispensing PEDs. Rodriguez is expected to appeal his suspension, which would wipe out this season as well as 2014.

The Biogenesis clinic is known for having obtained performance enhancing drugs for their clients. Biogenesis owner Tony Bosch has been cooperating with the MLB on their investigation. 

In a bizarre twist, Rodriguez, whose suspension will take effect Thursday, Aug. 8, could be the only person who actually continues to play. 

The rules in Major League Baseball’s collective bargaining agreement allow a player to play while appealing his suspension if it is related to a drug-policy violation. According to SI.com, Rodriguez plans to do just that.

Rodriquez, who has been playing with the Trenton Thunder, is penciled in as the Yankees starting third baseman in Chicago on Monday, according to ESPN.

There had been talk that MLB Commissioner Bud Selig could even impose a lifetime ban on Rodriguez invoking the “best interest of baseball” clause. That would sideline Rodriguez immediately, and possibly permanently. This no longer appears to be a possibility.

“I feel like I can help us win, I feel like I can help us be a better team,” said Rodriguez after his game with the Trenton Thunder on Friday. “We’re going to have a workout tomorrow and then fly to Chicago.”

The Yankees are currently in Chicago to play a 3-game set against the White Sox.

Below is a list of players who are reportedly accepting 50-game suspensions for MLB drug-policy violations:

• Nelson Cruz, Outfielder, Texas Rangers +
• Everth Cabrera – Shortstop, San Diego Padres +
• Jhonny Peralta – Shortstop, Detroit Tigers +
• Francisco Cervelli – Catcher, New York Yankees
• Fernando Martinez – Outfielder, New York Yankees*
• Jordany Valdespin – Infielder, New York Mets
• Cesar Puello – Outfielder, New York Mets*
• Antonio Bastardo – Pitcher, Philadelphia Phillies
• Jesus Montero – Catcher, Seattle Mariners
• Sergio Escalona – Pitcher, Houston Astros
• Fautino De Los Santos – Pitcher, Free Agent
• Jordan Norberto – Pitcher, Free Agent

 + Denotes a 2013 All-Star * Denotes current minor league player

Ryan Braun, the 2011 National League MVP, has already accepted a 65-game suspension under the MLB drug-policy. 

With Nelson Cruz, Jhonny Peralta and Alex Rodriguez earning millions annually, is a 50-game suspension really a deterrent? Tell us what you think in the comments section.

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