Alex Rodriguez suspended 211 games by MLB & will appeal

As expected, Alex Rodriguez has been suspended by MLB for 211 games for violating the CBA and JDA, citing use of testosterone and HGH and attempting to cover up his violations. The suspension is for the remainder of the 2013 season and the entirety of the 2014 season. Rodriguez is expected to appeal the decision and can play until that matter is resolved. The official suspension would be effective Thursday.

MLB release says ARod penalty based on PED use, as well as cover-up, and attempts to "obstruct" and "frustrate" the investigation.

— Sweeny Murti (@YankeesWFAN) August 5, 2013

From MLB's press release:

Rodriguez's discipline under the Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program is based on his use and possession of numerous forms of prohibited performance-enhancing substances, including Testosterone and human Growth Hormone, over the course of multiple years. Rodriguez's discipline under the Basic Agreement is for attempting to cover-up his violations of the Program by engaging in a course of conduct intended to obstruct and frustrate the Office of the Commissioner's investigation. The suspension, which will become effective on Thursday, August 8th, will cover 211 Championship Season games and any 2013 Postseason games in which Rodriguez otherwise would have been eligible to play.

Under the terms of the Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program, Rodriguez's suspension will be stayed until the completion of his appeal if Rodriguez files a grievance challenging his discipline.

This means that there is at least a decent chance that A-Rod will be in the Yankees lineup tonight at US Cellular Field as the team begins a series against the Chicago White Sox.

More from Pinstriped Bible:

• Biogenesis suspensions have been issued
• Biogenesis suspensions: Francisco Cervelli suspended 50 games, will not appeal
• Bud Selig's current steroid hardball does not excuse willful ignorance of '90s
• Alex Rodriguez: Distraction from what?
• Biogenesis Suspensions: Alex Rodriguez to appeal, others to accept 50-game suspensions