Manny being Manny until the very end.
In shocking news, Tampa Bay Rays slugger Manny Ramirez has notified Major League Baseball that he is retiring after being notified of an issue under MLB’s drug policy.
According to the New York Times, Ramirez tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug during spring training and retired rather than face a 100-game suspension.
He has previously served a 50-game suspension for violating the drug policy while he was with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
MLB released a statement saying:
“Major League Baseball recently notified Manny Ramirez of an issue under Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. Rather than continue with the process under the Program, Ramirez has informed MLB that he is retiring as an active player. If Ramirez seeks reinstatement in the future, the process under the Drug Program will be completed. MLB will not have any further comment on this matter.”
The Rays purchased the contract of Casey Kotchman from Triple-A Durham to replace Ramirez on the roster.
“The Tampa Bay Rays were informed today by the commissioner’s office that Manny Ramirez has decided to retire after being informed of an issue under the drug program,” the Rays said in a statement. “We are obviously surprised and disappointed by this news. We will have no further comment on this matter, and our fans and organization will carry on.”
The 12-time All-Star agreed to a one-year $2 million deal with the Rays hoping to re-establish himself as one of the game’s feared hitters.
Ramirez hit .312 with 555 homers and 1,831 RBIs in his 18-year career. was entering his 18th season in the majors.
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