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Union files formal appeal of A-Rod's suspension

CHICAGO -- On Wednesday, the Major League Baseball Players Association filed a formal appeal of the 211-game suspension that Major League Baseball levied against Alex Rodriguez on Monday.

The suspension was to begin Thursday and last through the 2014 season, but Rodriguez will be allowed to play until the grievance has been heard by arbitrator Fredric Horowitz.

The suspension is based on violations of Major League Baseball's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program, as well as the Basic Agreement, stemming from Rodriguez's involvement with the Biogenesis anti-aging clinic in South Florida.

"Rodriguez's discipline under the Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program is based on his use and possession of numerous forms of prohibited performance-enhancing substances, including Testosterone and human growth hormone, over the course of multiple years," according to a statement by Major League Baseball. "Rodriguez's discipline under the Basic Agreement is for attempting to cover up his violations of the Program by engaging in a course of conduct intended to obstruct and frustrate the Office of the Commissioner's investigation."

Horowitz could uphold, shorten, or overturn the suspension.

Twelve other players were given 50-game suspensions for their connection to the Biogenesis clinic, and all 12 accepted the discipline.

Rodriguez had no comment on the official filing of the appeal before Wednesday's game against the White Sox, saying, "I've got no reaction to that."

"We need him to help us," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said." I don't think any of us thought that it was going to be anything different, so as far as having reactions, it's kind of what I expected. And it's part of the process negotiated between MLB and the Players Association and you let him play out, and I expect to play him a lot. We need him to help us."

Manny Randhawa is an associate reporter for MLB.com.
Read More: New York Yankees, Alex Rodriguez