It would appear Manny being Manny is in violation of Major League Baseball's new substance abuse policy. The league suspended the Dodgers slugger today for 50 games as a result of his testing positive for a banned substance. While It seemed likely that the notorious outfielder would appeal the suspension (he is claiming the violation was caused by a prescription medication he takes), he has decided not to challenge the ruling.
The Dodgers, who currently have the best record in baseball at 21-8, will no doubt miss Ramirez' presence in the lineup. The enigmatic All-Star leads the National League in OBP at .492, he is second in the NL in OPS (1.133), and he is first in the NL in base-on-balls at 26. He leads the Dodgers in home runs with six, and his .348 batting average is also tops on the team.
Manny Ramirez will not return to the field until July and he will lose upwards of $7 million due to the violation/suspension.
Los Angeles is set to face the visting Washington Nationals tonight at Dodger Stadium. They will attempt to keep their perfect home record, presently 13-0 on the season, intact without Manny. The Dodgers are averaging 6.77 runs per game this year at home after beating the Nationals 10-3 last night. Ramirez was 1-for-3 in the contest with two RBI.
BetUS.com presently has Los Angeles listed as a -150 moneyline favorite in this evening's game. The total is set at 9 with the under being favored at -120 odds.
BetUS.com Los Angeles Dodgers Futures:
Win National League West -160
Win National League Pennant +400
Win 2009 World Series +800
