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Oviedo Suspended By MLB Until July 22

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – The Miami Marlins may not need much help if they can keep playing the way have in May; but help will be on the way in July.

Major League Baseball announced Monday that Marlins relief pitcher Juan Carlos Oviedo will be suspended for the next eight weeks for engaging in age and identity fraud. That means, Oviedo will be eligible to return to the team on July 22.

Oviedo played for the Marlins the last several seasons under an assumed name of Leo Nuñez. It was only last year the scam unraveled and Oviedo was sent back to his home country.

Oviedo has worked through countless legal issues in the Dominican Republic after admitting falsifying documents. He recently received clearance to return to and play baseball in the United States.

MLB said Oviedo could "participate in extended Spring Training during the period of his suspension." Oviedo is also eligible for one rehab assignment with one of the Marlins minor league affiliates, but it can't exceed 16 days.

The Marlins are likely to use Oviedo as a set-up man for closer Heath Bell, assuming Bell can hold on to the closer's job. Bell was paid big money in the offseason, but so far all he's put together is a very off season.

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