Say It Ain't Chooch: Carlos Ruiz Suspended 25 Games for Amphetamine Use

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MLB announced today that Philadelphia Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz has been suspended for 25 games for Amphetamine use. According to the Inquirer's Matt Gelb's source, Chooch tested positive for Adderall, most commonly used to treat ADHD.

Gelb writes:

Ruiz tested positive for Adderall, according to a league source, an
amphetamine commonly used to control attention deficit hyperactivity
disorder (ADHD). Adderall is classified as a banned stimulant — not a
steroid — under MLB's policy. The suspension was triggered by Ruiz's
second positive test for the stimulant.

Looks like Erik Kratz is going to play a much bigger role than he anticipated to start the 2013 campaign.

Here's the team's statement:

”The
Phillies fully support Major League Baseball’s Drug Program. We are
disappointed by the news of this violation of the program.  We will
support Carlos in an appropriate manner and move forward to achieve our
goal to play championship-caliber baseball in 2013.”

UPDATE: Here's Chooch's statement via ESPN's Jayson Stark:

“I am sincerely regretful for my mistake in taking a prohibited stimulant. I apologize to my teammates, the Phillies organization, and the Philadelphia fans. I will serve the imposed 25-game suspension to begin the season and I look forward to returning to the field and working toward bringing a championship back to Philadelphia in 2013."

UPDATE2: Here's Chooch's statement in Spanish:

“Estoy sinceramente arrepentido por el error que cometí al tomar un medicamento prohibido.  Quiero disculparme con mis compañeros de equipo, la organización de los Phillies y todos los fanaticos de Philadelphia y del beisbol.   Voy a cumplir con la suspensión de 25 juegos que me han impuestos a principio de la temporada y estaré ansioso de volver al campo a fin de trabajar duro para lograr un nuevo campeonato para Philadelphia en el 2013.”
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