Biogenesis scandal: MLB using testimony from minor-league players to bolster case

The league knows that Anthony Bosch’s testimony by itself is flimsy, so it has gathered intel from several minor-league players to help “confirm the veracity” of Bosch’s story.

by Nate A

Jun 12, 2013, 4:33 PM UTC

Patrick McDermott

Multiple minor-league players have discussed their involvement with the Biogenesis PED clinic in detail to Major League Baseball’s investigators, possibly handing the league the evidence they need to protect clinic director Anthony Bosch’s testimony from scrutiny by the MLB Players Association, reports Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports.

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MLB investigators came to an agreement with Bosch last week that, in exchange for immunity from further prosecution and payment of out-standing legal fees, he would testify against roughly two dozen MLB players -- including Alex Rodriguez and Ryan Braun. While the agreement was (and is) a big break for the league, it still had to come up with a way to make Bosch's testimony credible, as most people would say anything to get themselves out of his position and, you know, he's essentially lied for a living.

And so, under threat of suspension by the league -- players not on 40-man rosters do not have the protection of the union -- several minor-league players gave information about their transactions with Bosch so that the league could compile information to “confirm the veracity” of Bosch’s story, per Passan.

It is believed that the minor leaguers who cooperated with the league have received immunity, meaning they will not face a suspension for their ties to Biogenesis. Whether this immunity is also available for the MLB players involved remains to be seen.

If the minor-league players have given the league enough corroborative information, then the union may have a tough time fighting the charges against those implicated in the investigation when the league starts handing out suspensions.