New York, NY (Sports Network) - Philadelphia Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz
drew a 25-game suspension from Major League Baseball on Tuesday for a
violation of its drug prevention and treatment program.
Ruiz was penalized for testing positive for an amphetamine of undisclosed
origin. The suspension is effective at the start of the 2013 regular season,
and will allow Ruiz to participate in all spring training activities.
The 33-year-old Panamanian backstop enjoyed a career year for an injury-
plagued Phillies club, hitting .325 with 16 home runs, 32 doubles and 68 RBI
over 114 games and earning his first career All-Star selection.
Ruiz did miss time with an oblique strain and was also on the sidelines due to
plantar fasciitis, which landed him on the disabled list and caused him to
miss most of August and part of September.
"The Phillies fully support Major League Baseball's Drug Program. We are
disappointed by the news of this violation of the program," said Phillies
general manager Ruben Amaro, Jr. "We will support Carlos in an appropriate
manner and move forward to achieve our goal to play championship-caliber
baseball in 2013."
The Sports Network