Nelson Cruz is a well-known name in Major League Baseball, known for his powerful hitting and clutch performances on the field. However, his career has not been without controversy.
In 2013, Cruz was caught up in the Biogenesis scandal, which rocked Major League Baseball and resulted in several high-profile players being suspended for using performance-enhancing drugs. Cruz was one of those players, and he was suspended for 50 games as a result.
Since then, Cruz has continued to have a successful career, but the question remains: has Nelson Cruz been suspended? In this article, we’ll delve into the details of Cruz’s suspension, how it affected his career, and his subsequent return to the game.
Nelson Cruz’s Career
Nelson Cruz made his MLB debut in 2005 with the Milwaukee Brewers. He then played for the Texas Rangers, Baltimore Orioles, Seattle Mariners, and Minnesota Twins. He has primarily played as a right fielder and designated hitter.
Cruz is known for his power hitting, having hit over 450 home runs in his career. He has been named to the All-Star team seven times and has won two Silver Slugger Awards.
Cruz was also the Most Valuable Player of the 2011 American League Championship Series, helping lead the Texas Rangers to the World Series.
Some of Cruz’s notable moments on the field include hitting six home runs in the 2011 ALCS, which tied a postseason record.
He also hit a walk-off grand slam in the 11th inning of Game 2 of the 2011 ALCS. Additionally, Cruz hit a home run in the 2013 All-Star Game and was named the game’s MVP.
Overall, Cruz has had a highly successful career in Major League Baseball, with many memorable moments and accolades.
The Biogenesis Scandal
The Biogenesis scandal was a Major League Baseball investigation into the use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) by players. The investigation was launched in 2013 after the Miami New Times published an article linking several players to a clinic called Biogenesis of America.
The scandal was a major blow to the sport, as several high-profile players, including Alex Rodriguez and Ryan Braun, were implicated in the scandal. The league eventually suspended 13 players as a result of the investigation.
Cruz was one of the players who was suspended. In August 2013, he was suspended for 50 games for violating the league’s PED policy. Cruz accepted the suspension and issued a statement in which he apologized to fans and teammates for his actions.
During the investigation, it was reported that Cruz had purchased PEDs from the Biogenesis clinic. He was one of several players who were linked to the clinic, and the evidence against him was strong enough for the league to suspend him.
Overall, the Biogenesis scandal was a major black mark on Major League Baseball, and Cruz’s involvement in the scandal tarnished his reputation and career.
Cruz’s Suspension
In August 2013, Cruz was suspended for 50 games by Major League Baseball for violating the league’s PED policy. The suspension was the result of Cruz’s involvement in the Biogenesis scandal, in which he was linked to purchasing PEDs from the now-defunct Biogenesis of America clinic.
The 50-game suspension was the standard penalty for a first-time offender under the league’s PED policy. Cruz accepted the suspension and issued a statement in which he apologized for his actions.
The suspension had a significant impact on Cruz and his career. At the time of his suspension, Cruz was having a strong season, with 27 home runs and 76 RBI in 108 games. The suspension caused him to miss the remainder of the regular season, as well as the playoffs.
Additionally, the suspension raised questions about Cruz’s future in the league. He was set to become a free agent at the end of the 2013 season, and some teams may have been hesitant to sign a player with a history of PED use.
However, Cruz ultimately signed with the Baltimore Orioles prior to the 2014 season.
Overall, the suspension was a significant setback for Cruz, both in terms of his reputation and his career. However, he has been able to rebound from the suspension and continue to have a successful career in the years since.
Cruz’s Return and Success
After serving his 50-game suspension for PED use in the Biogenesis scandal, Cruz returned to Major League Baseball in September 2013. He played in the final nine games of the regular season for the Texas Rangers, hitting .364 with three home runs and six RBI.
In the offseason, Cruz signed a one-year contract with the Baltimore Orioles. In his first season with the team, he had a career year, hitting .271 with 40 home runs and 108 RBI. He was named to the All-Star team and finished seventh in the American League MVP voting.
Cruz’s success continued in the years that followed. He signed with the Seattle Mariners prior to the 2015 season, and he hit .302 with 44 home runs and 93 RBI in his first year with the team. He was named to the All-Star team for the fourth time in his career.
Cruz has continued to be a productive player in the years since, even as he has aged. In 2019, at the age of 39, he hit 41 home runs and drove in 108 runs for the Minnesota Twins. He has also been a valuable veteran presence in the clubhouse, serving as a mentor to younger players.
Overall, Cruz’s ability to rebound from his suspension and continue to have a successful career is a testament to his talent and work ethic.
While his involvement in the Biogenesis scandal may have tarnished his reputation in some circles, he has proven himself to be one of the best power hitters of his generation.
Nelson Cruz’s Career Summary
| Statistic | Number/Detail |
|---|---|
| Teams played for | Milwaukee Brewers, Texas Rangers, Baltimore Orioles, Seattle Mariners, Minnesota Twins, Tampa Bay Rays, Boston Red Sox |
| All-Star selections | 7 (2009, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019) |
| Home runs (as of 2021) | 443 |
| World Series wins | 1 (2018 with Boston Red Sox) |
| Biogenesis scandal | Suspended for 50 games in 2013 |
| Post-scandal success | Career year in 2014, multiple All-Star selections and productive seasons in the years since |
FAQs
Has Nelson Cruz ever won a World Series?
Yes, Nelson Cruz won a World Series with the Boston Red Sox in 2018. He played in 13 games during the postseason, hitting .261 with three home runs and 10 RBI.
What teams has Nelson Cruz played for in his career?
Nelson Cruz has played for seven different teams in his career: the Milwaukee Brewers, Texas Rangers, Baltimore Orioles, Seattle Mariners, Minnesota Twins, Tampa Bay Rays, and Boston Red Sox.
How many All-Star selections has Nelson Cruz had?
Nelson Cruz has had seven All-Star selections in his career: in 2009, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2019.
How many home runs has Nelson Cruz hit in his career?
As of the end of the 2021 season, Nelson Cruz has hit 443 home runs in his career, which ranks him 45th on the all-time list.
How has Nelson Cruz been involved in charity work?
Nelson Cruz has been involved in a number of charitable initiatives throughout his career. He has been particularly active in providing support to his native Dominican Republic, including funding scholarships for students and supporting efforts to improve healthcare access. In addition, he has been involved in a number of initiatives aimed at supporting youth sports and promoting community development.
Conclusion
Nelson Cruz’s career has been marked by both outstanding achievements on the field and a significant setback in the form of a suspension for PED use.
The Biogenesis scandal was a black mark on Major League Baseball, and Cruz’s involvement in the scandal had a significant impact on his career and reputation.
However, Cruz was able to rebound from the suspension and continue to be a productive player in the years since. He has had multiple All-Star selections and has been a valuable presence on multiple teams. His success after the suspension is a testament to his talent and work ethic.
While the Biogenesis scandal will always be a part of Cruz’s legacy, he has shown that he can continue to be successful and productive even in the face of adversity. He remains one of the most feared power hitters in the league and a respected veteran presence in the clubhouse.
