To appeal? Or not to appeal?
Texas Rangers outfielder Nelson Cruz expects to hear from Major League Baseball Monday in regards to a 50-game suspension for his participation in purchasing performance enhancing drugs from now-closed Miami clinic Biogenesis, and he's yet to decide on whether or not he'll appeal, should the MLB choose to suspend him.
"I haven't decided what I'm going to do about anything," Cruz said before Sunday's game against the Athletics, according to MLB.com.
The baseball world is holding its collective breath as it awaits the news of the suspensions to be handed out. Cruz is one of many players expected to be banned for at least 50 games Monday, while New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez, who is hopeful for a return on Monday, may be suspended through the 2014 season.
Cruz was in Texas' lineup as the designated hitter Sunday rather than in the outfield against the Athletics because he's been bothered by a bruised left quadriceps muscle. Due to Texas only playing 112 games so far, a 50-game ban would allow Cruz to participate in the playoffs if Texas makes it there. The Rangers (62-50) currently trail the Oakland Athletics by 2.5 games for first place in the American League West.
The Ranges are also a half-game out of the second wildcard spot, currently held by the Cleveland Indians.
If Cruz chooses to appeal, the punishment will be delayed until an arbitrator hears and decides the case, which means Cruz would be able to remain in the Rangers lineup for the rest of the season,.
Rangers manager Ron Washington said that he hasn't given much thought to losing Cruz for the season.
"I'm always in the moment," Washington told MLB.com on Sunday. "I know if something happens, we'll still have to play. All I'm thinking about is today. We'll deal with that when it happens. We've got contingencies."
The loss of Cruz would be a big blow to Texas, as he is batting .269 with 27 homers and 76 RBIs this season, and hopes to be in the lineup against the Angels on Monday.
For now, the sluggers future is unclear, and even he doesn't know if an appeal will happen.
"It's not just about myself, it's also about the team," Cruz said Sunday, according to MLB.com. "I don't know what will happen, but it's supposed to happen tomorrow."
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