Quote:
Originally Posted by Markus Heinsohn
If anyone finds the actual rule, let me know  |
i think the mlb has a separate suspended list for its drug violators. here's one published from 2005.
ESPN.com - MLB - Baseball suspension list
im still not sure what officially happens w/non-drug suspensions. richie sexson was suspended recently for 5 days for fighting. there is no indication that he was placed on any special list, demoted, disabled, etc. the team may have to eat the roster spot until he is eligible to play (which would fit the whole concept of punitive measures). given that most of these kinds of suspensions are rarely more than 6-7 days, theres no real need to move these players anywhere.
however, a 50 game suspension would probably require a special list. imagine if 2 of your major leaguers were suspended at the same time for their 2nd violation. would the teams have to play w/a 23 man roster for that time? hardly.
the MLB also uses a restricted list, which may be applicable for the drug situations. scott spezio recently found himself there, josh hamilton in the past before his comeback. but this list is also used for non-drug issues, like alex ramirez of the w.sox, who was placed on there with visa issues. it does allow a team to replace the player placed on the restricted list with another player. im just not sure if there is a specific time limit for this list or how the MLB deals w/player salaries while restricted.
EDIT:
The Official Site of Major League Baseball: News: MLB amends rules for active rosters
"Players suspended for violation of the drug program are placed on the restricted list"