After a 2012 season to forget, the Philadelphia Phillies got some bad news this offseason as catcher Carlos Ruiz tested positive for amphetamines and will be suspended 25 games by Major League Baseball.
The Office of the Commissioner of Baseball announced today that Philadelphia Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz has received a 25-game suspension without pay after testing positive for an Amphetamine in violation of Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. The suspension of Ruiz is effective at the start of the 2013 regular season. He will be eligible to participate in Spring Training, including in Spring Training games.
Ruiz had a batting line of 325/.394/.540 with 16 homers and 68 RBI in 114 games last season and released the following statement regarding his suspension.
I am sincerely regretful for my mistake in taking a prohibited stimulant. I apologize to my teammates, the Phillies organization, and the Philadelphia fans. I will serve the imposed 25-game suspension to begin the season and I look forward to returning to the field and working toward bringing a championship back to Philadelphia in 2013.
Despite the suspension, Phillies GM Ruben Amaro said that he doesn’t think that the suspension will prevent future negotiations on a contract extension, according to Matt Gelb and Bob Brookover of the Philadelphia Inquirer.
