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Texas Rangers right-fielder Nelson Cruz has accepted a 50-game suspension by Major League Baseball for violating the league's substance abuse policy. Among players accepting 50-game suspensions: #Rangers’ Cruz, #Tigers’ Peralta, #Phlllies’ Bastardo, #Mets’ Valdespin, #Padres’ Cabrera.
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Cruz will not be appealing the decision, said ESPN Dallas' Todd Willis. On Sunday, Cruz had said that he had not determined whether he would appeal the suspension.
"I haven't decided what I'm going to do about anything," Cruz said before the game against the Athletics.
"It's not just about myself, it's also about the team," Cruz said. "I don't know what will happen, but it's supposed to happen tomorrow."
Cruz decided Monday, though, and will take the punishment. With the season well underway, 50 games would end Cruz's regular season play.
Rangers have played 106 games entering tonight. If Nelson Cruz takes a 50-game suspension in the next few days, regular season is done.
— Todd Wills (@wtwills09) July 30, 2013
Many of the players in the Biogenesis scandal have been hit with 50-game suspensions, and are likely to take them to avoid a longer penalty. Cruz follows fellow outfielder Ryan Braun, who also accepted his suspension.
In taking the suspension, Cruz is likely to be picked up by the Rangers for the postseason and earn the team's respect for accepting the suspension rather than trying to shorten it.
But without Cruz, the team may lose its chances in the postseason as it suffers from a struggling offense.
