Philadelphia Phillies endorse decision of Major League Baseball on suspending Carlos Ruiz-MLB
As soon as Major League Baseball slammed a 25-game ban on Carlos Ruiz for using amphetamine, the Philadelphia Phillies issued a statement, supporting suspension and expressing their unhappiness over the utilisation of prohibited drugs.
They are hopeful that the decision will go a long way in curbing the use of such measures by the players to increase their performance.
Ruiz is one of the most competent catchers around in the National League. While playing for Philadelphia, he posted an incredible batting average during the last season. He was consistent in striking hits and slamming home-runs.
He rescued the team on a number of occasions and helped the club register reasonable totals on the scoreboard. In absence of stars like Chase Utley and Ryan Howard from the line-up, he carried out his job tremendously well, giving a much needed boost to
the offence of the club.
Ruiz is ideally poised to replicate his remarkable 2012 performance in the upcoming season. Unfortunately, the 25-game ban will not allow him to be a part of the Opening Day roster and play in the initial phase of the season.
The Phillies will be mindful of their requirements after announcement of Ruiz’s suspension. Substitute catcher is required. Erik Kratz has the credentials to be as good as Ruiz but he cannot be counted on throughout the season.
Possibility of an injury to him creates the need of including back-up catchers on the roster.
While the Phillies condemned drug-usage, importance of Ruiz for their 2013 season expedition is not lost on them. They have explained that Carlos is an integral part of their team and that they will look to bring him back as soon as he completes the ban.
"The Phillies fully support Major League Baseball's drug program," the team said. "We are disappointed by the news of this violation of the program. We will support Carlos in an appropriate manner and move forward to achieve our goal to play championship-caliber
baseball in 2013."
The Phillies are eyeing on clinching the Division title next year. For this, they consider presence of Ruiz in their line-up as extremely significant.
They will be hoping that Ruiz returns to the team as a better player and more committed to achieve future goals of his club.
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