Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Nelson Cruz and the Texas Rangers knew this day was coming. It was only a matter of time before MLB came down on the rightfielder for PED use and his connection to Biogenesis. The punishment was what most expected, 50-games. The suspension will begin immediately and that’s ultimately the best part of this news for the Rangers. Because Cruz has chosen not to appeal, he will be eligible for the postseason if Texas makes it.
While you do have to give some credit to Cruz for accepting punishment for his actions, it’s likely that the mountain of evidence against him was too much to fight. But, we’ve seen stranger things in the past. Whether it’s ego, pride or innocence, players often fight these things when it seems they have no chance at all.
Cruz is in the midst of very good season where he’s already driven in 76 and went yard 27 times. He was elected to the American League All-Star team for the second time in his career and he’s currently batting .269 over 452 plate appearances. At his current pace, he would have set career highs in RBI and HR.
Unless the rightfielder is just completely insane, one would assume that he’s been clean all year. His name has been tied to Biogenesis for awhile now, so if he continued to use PEDs this whole time, he’s got some nerve. Ultimately though, I think Cruz and the Rangers will both survive this.
Texas is currently two and a half games back in the AL West.
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