Texas Rangers Nelson Cruz will accept Biogenesis suspension from MLB

Aug 4, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Texas Rangers outfielder Nelson Cruz (17) reacts after striking out against the Oakland Athletics in the seventh inning at O.Co Coliseum. The Rangers defeated the Athletics 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

Excluding Ryan Braun, the first domino has fallen in the Biogenesis case as Texas Rangers outfielder Nelson Cruz has accepted his suspension from Major League Baseball.

Cruz will be suspended for 50 games, according to ESPN and CBS:

"Texas Rangers right fielder Nelson Cruz has decided to accept a 50-game suspension from Major League Baseball on Monday for his connection to the Biogenesis case, according to a report by CBSSports.com.The suspensions, which are expected to be announced Monday afternoon, include 12 or more players, including former Rangers slugger Alex Rodriguez, who is expected to appeal.Cruz has also changed agents as he’s no longer with the ACES group and is now represented by Adam Katz, who’s with Wasserman Sports, a source told ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick. Katz also represents Bartolo Colon and Edinson Volquez and helped guide them through their PED suspension issues."

Cruz could have opted to appeal the suspension, but considering there was potential for a longer suspension if he did and his pending free agent status at season end, there was little reason for Cruz to do so.

The powerful Cruz will end the 2013 season with a .269 average, 27 home runs and 76 RBI in 108 games. There’s no word on who will take Cruz’s spot in the lineup.

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