Ramirez’s suspension came a day before Rodriguez was likely to rejoin the New York Yankees. Rodriguez has been on the disabled list since having hip surgery.
In February, Rodriguez admitted taking steroids while playing for Texas from 2001-03 and acknowledged testing positive under a 2003 survey. But testing with penalties didn’t begin until 2004, and the New York Yankees third baseman doesn’t appear likely to be suspended.
The players’ association said Ramirez was suspended by the commissioner under the “just cause” provision of section 8.G.2 of the joint drug agreement. That allows players to be penalized for use, sale or distribution of banned substances, even where the agreement doesn’t specify a particular penalty, such as for a positive test.
Los Angeles even renamed a section of seats in left field at Dodger Stadium “Mannywood” in his honor.
Ramirez’s suspension came a day before Rodriguez was likely to rejoin the New York Yankees. Rodriguez has been on the disabled list since having hip surgery.
In February, Rodriguez admitted taking steroids while playing for Texas from 2001-03 and acknowledged testing positive under a 2003 survey. But testing with penalties didn’t begin until 2004, and the New York Yankees third baseman doesn’t appear likely to be suspended.
The players’ association said Ramirez was suspended by the commissioner under the “just cause” provision of section 8.G.2 of the joint drug agreement. That allows players to be penalized for use, sale or distribution of banned substances, even where the agreement doesn’t specify a particular penalty, such as for a positive test.
In his statement, Ramirez addressed Dodgers owners Frank and
Jamie McCourt, and manager Joe Torre.
“I want to apologize to Mr. McCourt, Mrs. McCourt, Mr. Torre, my teammates, the Dodger organization, and to the Dodger fans,” Ramirez said. “LA is a special place to me, and I know everybody is disappointed. So am I. I’m sorry about this whole situation.”
His suspension was first reported by the Los Angeles Times on its Web site.
Ramirez became the third player suspended this year under the major league program, following Philadelphia reliever J.C. Romeroand Yankees pitcher Sergio Mitre.
Just two relatively low-profile players were suspended under the major league program last year, San Francisco catcher Elizier Alfonzo and Colorado catcher Humberto Coto.
In the past, the best-known player penalized was Baltimore’s
Rafael Palmeiro, who received a 10-day suspension in 2005, the first year of penalties for first infractions.
Ramirez was acquired by Los Angeles from Boston last July 31 and became a fan favorite. His contract negotiations became a long-running drama during the offseason, and he agreed in early March — well after the start of spring training – to a $45 million, two-year contract that gives him the right to void the second season and become a free agent again.
In St. Louis, a clubhouse attendant stuck his head into manager Tony La Russa’s office and said “Manny Ramirez, 50 games, steroids.”
La Russa’s reaction: “You’re kidding me.”
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YANKEES INJURY REPORT:
Wang:15-day DL as of Apr 19, 2009 (Hip abductor muscle weakness)
Bruney: 15-day DL as of Apr 22, 2009 (Strained right elbow) 
Ransom: 15-day DL as of Apr 25, 2009 (Strained right quad) 
Rodriguez: 15-day DL as of Mar 27, 2009 (Right hip labrum tear) 
Nady: 15-day DL as of Apr 15, 2009 (Right elbow soreness) 
Marte:
Posada:
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