Bastardo suspended 50 games

Antonio Bastardo has been suspended for the rest of the season for violating MLB's drug policy. Antonio Bastardo has been suspended for the rest of the season for violating MLB’s drug policy.

Alex Rodriguez is the big story, but he’s not the only getting suspended.

Phillies reliever Antonio Bastardo will be handed a 50-game suspension for taking performance-enhancing drugs, according to FOX Sports. Major League Baseball is expected to deliver numerous suspensions Monday to players connected with the Biogenesis scandal.

Bastardo had not been previously tied to PEDs. He joins Carlos Ruiz and Freddy Galvis as recent Phillies to be suspended for violating MLB’s drug policy. Bastardo has been very up-and-down for the Phillies over the last three seasons. However, he was enjoying a strong 2013 seasons, with a 2.32 ERA in 48 appearances.

The ban would end Bastardo’s 2013 seasons, unless the pitcher intends to appeal it. Rodriguez will reportedly be allowed to play while appealing his own suspension. Rodriguez would miss the rest of this season and all of 2014.