Nelson Cruz apologized to his teammates, fans and family in a statement to reporters on Friday afternoon.
The Rangers outfielder was one of 13 MLB players disciplined earlier this month for their relationship to Biogenesis of America, a now-closed Florida clinic in Florida accused of distributing banned performance-enhancing drugs.
"I have to apologize to the fans ..., to the Texas Rangers organization and all of MLB baseball for the mistake that I make," he said.
Cruz also apologized to his family, saying close friends and family had given him the support during "a really tough few weeks" that he needed to stand before reporters.
Texas Rangers General Manager Jon Daniels said Cruz spent most of the week in Arlington and would train at the team's Arizona facility to rejoin the team if it makes the playoffs.
"Hopefully, the team will go to the playoff and give me a chance to help them out," Cruz said.
Cruz said he would head to Arizona after a few days.
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"Hopefully, like I said, we will go to the playoff and I'll be ready," he said.
Cruz was suspended for 50 games on Aug. 5. His suspension ends when the regular season does.
Daniels declined to speculate on whether Cruz would play if the Rangers make the playoffs.
"We're really not going to get ahead of ourselves with that," he said. "I think our mindset is just to keep all of our options open."
"We've got to make the playoffs before that's even a conversation," he said.
Daniels said Nelson came back to work out with the team and make his public apology.
This report includes background information from past Associated Press stories.
