Rangers Playoff Hopes Take a Dip
Texas Ranger Nelson Cruz accepts 50 game suspension amid steroid probe
The day that has been rumored, hinted at and feared — at least by Texas Rangers fans — has finally arrived: Rangers outfielder Nelson Cruz has been suspended 50 games by Major League Baseball for his association with the Biogenesis Clinic in Miami.
Cruz will not appeal the suspension, meaning he will be out for the remainder of Rangers' regular season, starting with Monday's game at the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. The Rangers have 50 remaining regular season games, so if the Rangers are fortunate enough to make the playoffs again, Cruz will be eligible to return at that time.
Following the off-season departure of Josh Hamilton, Cruz has been one of the biggest reasons the Rangers have remained near the top of American League standings. He leads the team with 27 home runs and 76 RBIs, including two home runs and three RBIs in a key series win over the Oakland A's over the weekend.
There is no word yet on who the Rangers will call up to replace Cruz on the roster. The Rangers currently don't have another player listed as a rightfielder on the roster, although players like Engel Beltre, Craig Gentry or even Jurickson Profar could be called upon to play the position if need be.
12 other players, including New York Yankees third baseman — and former Ranger — Alex Rodriguez, have also been suspended. All except Rodriguez were suspended for 50 games and have accepted their suspensions. Rodriguez reportedly faces a ban that would put him out the rest of 2013 and 2014, but he may appeal that decision.
In a statement, Cruz accepted responsibility for violating MLB's Joint Drug Agreement:
I have been notified by the Commissioner of Major League Baseball that I have been suspended for 50 games for violation of the Joint Drug Agreement. I have decided to accept this suspension and not exercise my rights under the Basic Agreement to appeal.
From November 2011 to January 2012, I was seriously ill with a gastrointestinal infection, helicobacter pylori, which went undiagnosed for over a month. By the time I was properly diagnosed and treated, I had lost 40 pounds. Just weeks before I was to report to spring training in 2012, I was unsure whether I would be physically able to play.
Faced with this situation, I made an error in judgment that I deeply regret, and I accept full responsibility for that error. I should have handled the situation differently, and my illness was no excuse. I am thankful for the unwavering support of my family, friends, and teammates during this difficult time.
I look forward to regaining the trust and respect of the Rangers organization, my teammates, and the great Rangers’ fans, and I am grateful for the opportunity to rejoin the team for the playoffs.
