Nelson Cruz's decision to accept his 50-game suspension without appeal "stunned" Texas Rangers officials, a source told Bob Nightengale of USA Today.
Biogenesis: Nelson Cruz’s decision to accept suspensions ‘stunned’ Rangers
The Rangers are reportedly so upset about Cruz’s decision that they will not tender the outfielder a contract after the 2013 season.
Cruz was one of 12 players suspended 50 games Monday for connections to the Miami anti-aging clinic Biogenesis. All 12 players are accepting their suspensions and will serve them immediately.
More Biogenesis: Cruz and Peralta suspension playoff implications
The outfielder had been non-committal about filing an appeal, and apparently did not inform the Rangers of his decision to accept the punishment until a few hours before MLB’s announcement. Texas is reportedly so upset by Cruz’s decision that they will not offer tender him a contract after the season.
Cruz will be a free agent after the 2013 season, which likely had an impact on his decision. He could have filed his appeal and played while his case was being heard. Cruz would have presumably lost his appeal, and his suspension would have carried over into 2014, creating a disincentive for team’s potentially interested in his services.
The Rangers, however, now have to replace Cruz during the final two months of the season as they attempt to catch the Oakland Athletics in the AL West or qualify for one of the two wild card spots. Texas did not land a replacement for Cruz during the non-waiver trade deadline, and will attempt to add some depth with a waiver trade before Aug. 31.
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