Cincinnati Reds Pitcher Suspended

[David Morris]

Just read an article about the 50 game suspension of Cincinnati Reds pitcher Edinson Volquez for violating the leagues substance abuse policy (performance enhancing drugs in his case). The article mentioned that he is allowed to serve his suspension while on the disabled list.

He will lose about 1/3 of his $455,000 salary for this season. Is it me, or is it a joke that he is allowed to serve the suspension while on the DL? It seems like the only thing the MLB wants is his money. He wouldn't be back until the middle to end of June anyways, so why not allow a player to play for free? It doesn't seem that the punishment (in this case at least) is the loss of playing time. And today, I don't know what the athlete would miss more, the money or game time, although for someone making close to the league minimum, losing $137,000 would be a big hit.

[Shea Zellweger]

Just read an article about the 50 game suspension of Cincinnati Reds pitcher Edinson Volquez for violating the leagues substance abuse policy (performance enhancing drugs in his case). The article mentioned that he is allowed to serve his suspension while on the disabled list.

He will lose about 1/3 of his $455,000 salary for this season. Is it me, or is it a joke that he is allowed to serve the suspension while on the DL? It seems like the only thing the MLB wants is his money. He wouldn't be back until the middle to end of June anyways, so why not allow a player to play for free? It doesn't seem that the punishment (in this case at least) is the loss of playing time. And today, I don't know what the athlete would miss more, the money or game time, although for someone making close to the league minimum, losing $137,000 would be a big hit.

I think for the league, it's more about the $$. Also, bear in mind just how strict this new police is. a 50 game suspension costs you 1/4-1/3 of your season. A second offense is a 100 game suspension. A third offense is a lifetime ban. In comparison, that 50 game suspension is really just a friendly warning.

[Ryan Scott]

It actually helps the team out. Now they don't have to pay an injured player.