Despite a suspension likely coming, the New York Yankees announced Alex Rodriguez would play in two minor league rehab games over the weekend. The MLB and Rodriguez, meanwhile, are reportedly far from agreeing on a deal for the slugger's alleged involvement with the Biogenesis clinic.
New York announced Rodriguez would play in two minor league rehab games on Friday and Saturday with Double-A Trenton, CBS Sports reports. He continues to rehab his Grade 1 quad strain, which has been another source of controversy for the 38-year-old.
Rodriguez playing in the two minor league games appears probable, given that a suspension happening this weekend appears unlikely. Rodriguez's camp and the MLB are "far apart" on agreeing to a punishment deal for Rodriguez's alleged involvement with Biogenesis, according to ESPN.
The MLB supposedly issued Rodriguez an ultimatum: accept a suspension without appealing or face a lifetime ban from baseball.
Rodriguez's attorney has said his client would fight any punishment involving a suspension, and Rodriguez has maintained his innocence.
MLB commissioner Bud Selig is believed to have "hundreds of emails, text messages and phone records that show Rodriguez engaged in performance-enhancing drug use in 2010, 2011 and 2012, and possibly longer, and that he and his representatives impeded Selig's investigation," the NY Daily News wrote on Sunday.
Milwaukee Brewers slugger Ryan Braun became the first casualty of the MLB's investigation of Biogenesis. Braun accepted a 65-game suspension last week that will keep him sidelined for the remainder of the season.
"As I have acknowledged in the past, I am not perfect," Braun said in a statement, according to USA Today Sports. "I realize now that I have made some mistakes. I am willing to accept the consequences of those actions."
Around 15 players are believed to be in line for discipline as result of the league's investigation.
