PBR - Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz was suspended Tuesday for the first 25 games of the 2013 season for using an amphetamine.
According to a league source, Ruiz tested positive for Adderall, an amphetamine commonly used to control attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This marked Ruiz's second positive test for the stimulant.
Ruiz will be eligible to participate in spring training, including exhibition games, but Erik Kratz figures to open the season for the Phillies behind the plate.
The 33-year-old was an All Star last season, putting up career highs in homers (16), RBIs (68), and batting average (.325).
"The Phillies fully support Major League Baseball's drug program," the team said. "We are disappointed by the news of this violation of the program. We will support Carlos in an appropriate manner and move forward to achieve our goal to play championship-caliber baseball in 2013."
"I am sincerely regretful for my mistake in taking a prohibited stimulant," Ruiz said in a statement issued by the Major League Baseball Players Association. "I apologize to my teammates, the Phillies organization and the Philadelphia fans. I will serve the imposed 25-game suspension to begin the season and I look forward to returning to the field and working toward bringing a championship back to Philadelphia in 2013."
- Patrick Gordon is the editor of the Philadelphia Baseball Review. Contact him at pgordon@philadelphiabaseballreview.com or @Philabaseball on Twitter.
