Advertisement

Alfonzo's 100-game suspension rescinded on appeal

The 100-game suspension handed down to Colorado Rockies catcher Eliezer Alfonzo for testing positive for a banned substance last September has been rescinded, Major League Baseball announced Monday, and the reason is nearly identical to the one raised when Ryan Braun's suspension was overturned.

Alfonzo, 33, served a 50-game suspension in 2008 for violating MLB's drug policy. After he was suspended for 100 games for his positive drug test last September, he appealed.

Braun's 50-game suspension had been overturned on appeal because it was determined that protocol was not followed regarding the storage and shipment of the urine sample. Major League Baseball said in its statement that the reason Alfonzo's suspension was rescinded was the same as the one that caused Braun's suspension to be overturned.

"It is not anticipated that any other future cases will be impacted by the circumstances raised in the grievances of these two players," Major League Baseball said in a statement.

Alfonzo has already served 48 games of the suspension - 15 games last year and 33 this season - and Major League Baseball said he is eligible to return to action immediately.

However, the Denver Post reported that his status with the Rockies is uncertain. The team sent him outright to Triple-A Colorado Springs, where he is on the restricted list until he's able to obtain a VISA to travel from Venezuela.

When Alfonzo can report, the Rockies will decide on his status, general manager Dan O'Dowd told the Post.

Alfonzo had been Chris Iannetta's primary backup late last season, when he hit .267.

Alfonzo did not attend spring training with the Rockies this season.

USA Today had reported earlier on Monday that Shyam Das, the man who provided the key vote in the landmark ruling that overturned a suspension for Braun, was fired last week as baseball's independent arbitrator. Presumably, he was part of the panel that ruled on Alfonzo's appeal as well.