The New York Yankees (57-53) completely cloaked in a black cloud of performance enhancing drugs thanks to Alex Rodriguez, and to a lesser extent Francisco Cervelli and minor league Fernando Martinez, will try to focus on baseball tonight in Chicago against the White Sox (40-69). The game can be live streamed here; Yankees fans can listen to the game on WCBS 880, while White Sox fans can tune in to WSCR 670.
Although A-Rod has been suspended for 211 games, the remainder of 2013 and all of 2014, he is appealing MLB's decision and is allowed to suit up and play during the appeal process.
Now that Rodriguez's suspension is official, and his steroid ties beyond his previous admission and vow to not use again, Yanks manager Joe Girardi has had to address the issue of his reception in the locker room.
"I don't suspect it'll be awkward (if Rodriguez is back). Most of these guys know him as a teammate and have laughed a lot with Alex and been around Alex a lot," Girardi said. "I think it'll be business as usual. I'm sure there will be more media there, obviously ... but I think that's probably more for Alex to deal with than the rest of the guys. I don't think it'll be a big deal."
On the mound for the Yankees will be Andy Pettitte (7-8, 4.28 ERA), himself an admitted user of PEDs in the past. Prior to the official announcement of MLB's suspensions, Pettitte declined to comment on Rodriguez's situation, saying only that he had to focus on the White Sox.
As for Chicago, they must try to capitalize on a likely distracted team to put some wins on the board in this disappointing season. Jose Quintana (5-3, 3.28 ERA) will take the hill for Chicago in a circus-like atmosphere.
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