MIAMI (CBSMiami) – As the baseball awaits word on the exact length of the suspension coming to Alex Rodriguez, a total of 13 other players have accepted their punishments without appeal for taking performance enhancing drugs supplied by the Coral Gables-based Biogenesis clinic.
According to CBSSports.com’s Jon Heyman, the players who have been suspended are:
- Astros: LHP Sergio Escalona (minors)
- Mariners: C Jesus Montero (minors)
- Mets: UTIL Jordany Valdespin and OF Cesar Puello (both minors)
- Padres: SS Everth Cabrera and RHP Fautino De Los Santos (minors)
- Phillies: LHP Antonio Bastardo
- Rangers: OF Nelson Cruz
- Tigers: SS Jhonny Peralta
- Yankees: 3B Alex Rodriguez, C Francisco Cervelli and OF Fernando Martinez (minors)
- No Team: LHP Jordan Norberto (free agent)
Of the suspensions, the loss of Cruz for the Rangers may be the toughest for a team to overcome. Cruz was tied for fourth in the AL in home runs with 27 on the season. Replacing that kind of offensive production in the middle of a pennant race could cripple Texas’ playoff hopes.
READ MORE: Opa-locka Hialeah Flea Market Vendors: 'We have to leave like dogs'All of the players will be suspended for 50 games as first-time offenders in the performance-enhancing drug penalty. All are also expected to accept the suspensions, which will take effect immediately.
MORE NEWS: Taste Of The Town: Ball And Chain Serving Up Cuban Classics With A Side OF Salsa Music For 8 DecadesRodriguez will likely be suspended for the remainder of the current season and the entire 2014 season, according to published reports. A-Rod is expected to be the only player to appeal his likely suspension.
