MLB eyes penalties for Cruz, others linked to clinic
BOSTON -- Major League Baseball's stalled investigation into a Miami clinic that allegedly distributed performance-enhancing drugs to prominent players could be coming to the forefront again and that might mean trouble for Rangers outfielder Nelson Cruz.
Cruz is among those who have been linked to Biogenesis and, according to a Tuesday report from ESPN, former clinic owner Anthony Bosch has agreed to cooperate with MLB's investigation. If the investigation turns up evidence that a player did purchase performance-enhancing drugs from the now-closed clinic, it could mean a significant suspension of up to 50 games for first-time offenders.
"I can't say anything," Cruz said after the Rangers' 17-5 loss to the Red Sox on Tuesday. "I guess it's part of the process. They're doing their job. I don't have any comment about it."
The Miami New Times reported in January that, according to the clinic's notes, Cruz bought $4,000 worth of products from Bosch and the anti-aging clinic in Coral Gables, Fla. Other notable Major Leaguers, including Alex Rodriguez, Ryan Braun, Gio Gonzalez, Bartolo Colon and Melky Cabrera, were also named in the report.
The newspaper said it obtained journals and records from the now-closed clinic. A journal that was allegedly kept by Bosch refers to Cruz and includes the entry: "Need to call him, go Thur to Texas, take meds from April 5-May 5, will owe him troches and ... and will infuse them in May."
The report caused a brief stir in the Rangers clubhouse at the beginning of Spring Training, but hasn't been an issue since then. Major League Baseball has been investigating the situation, but Rangers officials say the club has had no contact with the Commissioner's Office on the matter. According to the ESPN report, Bosch has not yet spoken with MLB investigators.
Cruz, on the advice of his attorneys, has not commented at any point on his name being in the report. Cruz hit his 14th home run on Tuesday night and is hitting .268 with 40 RBIs through the Rangers' first 59 games. He is the only member of the Rangers organization who has been linked with Biogenesis.