Colorado Rockies catcher Eliezer Alfonzo was suspended 100 games by Major League Baseball after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs for a second time.
Alfonzo, who drew a 50-game suspension at the outset of the 2008 season, is the first major league player to be suspended twice.
Manny Ramirez tested positive twice but he announced his retirement earlier this year rather than accepting a 100-game penalty.
Alfonzo released a statement in which he said he was "surprised" to learn of the positive test and added that he plans to appeal the punishment.
“I learned my lesson in 2008 and have not taken any prohibited substances since then," Alfonzo said in the statement. "With the union’s help, I intend to fight this suspension and look forward to appearing before the arbitrator in the near future.”
Alfonzo, 32, has appeared in 25 games with the Rockies this season, batting .267 with one home run and nine RBIs. He has a .240 career batting average in par...
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