Phillies Catcher Carlos Ruiz Banned For 25 Games By MLB
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Rich Schultz/Getty Images(NEW YORK) — Philadelphia Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz was suspended for 25 games by Major League Baseball on Tuesday, after testing positive for an amphetamine. He will begin serving his ban at the beginning of the 2013 regular season.
“I am sincerely regretful for my mistake in taking a prohibited stimulant,” Ruiz said in a statement released by the Major League Baseball Players Association. “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.”
The 33-year-old Ruiz was named to his first All-Star team this past season, in which he batted .325 with 16 home runs and 68 RBIs.
“The Phillies fully support Major League Baseball’s Drug Program,” the club said in a statement. “We are disappointed by the news of this violation of the program. We will support Carlos in an appropriate manner and move forward to achieve our goal to play championship-caliber baseball in 2013.”
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