There's no way the suspension of former NL MVP Ryan Braun for the remainder of the 2013 season couldn't have been in Nelson Cruz's mind on Monday.
The Brewers star was suspended and is not appealing, serving out the final 65 games of the season in a year in which the Brewers aren't going anywhere and Braun is playing injured and bouncing in and out of the lineup anyway. Basically, it was the perfect time for Braun to take his punishment for his PED use.
Braun and Alex Rodriguez are the co-headliners who are alleged to have been involved with the now-closed anti-aging clinic known as Biogenesis in Miami, but Cruz and several other big-leaguers were also named in the report.
Braun's suspension was surprising seeing as how just last week it was reported possible suspensions most likely wouldn't be served this season. Yet, Cruz plays on, and he had a big game on Monday night in wake of the announcement of Braun's suspension, which was likely on Cruz's mind in some form or fashion.
Cruz, coming off his second All-Star Game appearance, is having a career year and mashed his team-leading 23rd home run of the season in the Rangers' 3-0 win over the Yankees while pushing his team-leading RBI total to 70.
When asked about Braun's suspension following the game, Cruz stayed mum on the matter.
"I guess it is what it is," Cruz told ESPN Dallas. "I don't have any comment."
