Dee Gordon apologizes to Marlins fans upon return from suspension

Dee Gordon will return from his 80-game suspension Thursday night, and he has offered an apology to fans.

Miami Marlins second baseman Dee Gordon was suspended for 80 games in late April for a violation of MLB’s performance-enhancing drugs policy. Through 21 games at the time of his ban, Gordon was hitting .266 with five RBI, 13 runs scored and six stolen bases over 94 at-bats.

After a breakout 2015 season, which saw him lead the National League in batting average (.333), hits (205) and stolen bases (58) while also earning a Gold Glove, Gordon signed a five-year, $50 million contract extension with a vesting option for a sixth season in 2021. His suspension this year puts that performance in a bad light, while also inviting some healthy skepticism about his actual skill level and natural (or unnatural) progression as a player.

Gordon returns to a Marlins’ team that has a legitimate chance to earn a playoff spot, with a 55-46 record that has them four games out in the National League East.

On the verge of his return to the lineup Thursday night against the St. Louis Cardinals, after spending some time in the minors as he worked his way back into shape, Gordon offered an apology to fans.

"BREAKING NEWS: Dee Gordon (@FlashGJr) sends apology to fans before returning to the @Marlins tonight.https://t.co/E5b5a7qMkb— UNINTERRUPTED (@uninterrupted) July 28, 2016"

The Marlins are rumored to be heavily involved in the trade market ahead of Monday’s non-waiver deadline, with starting pitching the center of most of the talk. Gordon is obviously not a pitcher, but his return is surely welcome and he should be a difference-maker down the stretch