clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Evan Longoria addresses MLB Suspensions

Mike Stobe

The well anticipated suspensions of thirteen players by Major League Baseball for PED use, as associated with the Biogenesis clinic, has finally come through, impacting some contenders for the American League.

The Yankees had multiple players involved, with the biggest name being Alex Rodriguez, who is expected to play this evening and appeal his suspension (which runs through the 2014 season). The other twelve players involved have accepted 50-game suspensions.

The Tigers lost their starting short stop Jhonny Peralta (3.7 WAR this season), the Rangers lost Nelson Cruz (123 wRC+), and the Yankees will not have their best catcher Francisco Cervelli (currently on the DL).

Other players include Jesus Montero, the former Yankee player now in the minors for Seattle, Evereth Cabrera (All-Star for the Padres), Phillies reliever Antonio Bastardo, Houston outfielder Jordany Valdespin, and former Phillies/current Astros pitcher Sergio Escalona.

The rest of this list includes not-so-relevant minor-league players Fernando Martinez (Astros), Jordan Norberto (FA, formerly with the A's), Fautino de los Santos (Padres), and Cesar Puello (Mets).

Thankfully, appreciatively, with the baseball world focused on players with ties to south Florida, no Tampa Bay Rays were involved.

Evan Longoria took to twitter shortly after the announcements this afternoon to discuss the suspensions:

A leader on and off the field, Longoria's words have been well considered, and even run by ESPN on their front page feature article this afternoon.

His perspective and voice are refreshing, forward looking, and representative of the Rays way. Well done, Longo, and thank you.

More from DRaysBay: