Breaking News: Manny Ramirez Suspended 50 Games

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According to MLB Trade Rumors:

According to Bill Shaikin and Dylan Hernandez of the L.A. Times, Dodgers star Manny Ramirez “tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs and will be suspended for 50 games starting today.” The journalists have word on Manny’s defense:

Ramirez is expected to attribute the test results to medication received from a doctor for a personal medical issue, according to a source familiar with the matter but not authorized to speak publicly.

Manny was hitting .348/.492/.641 in 120 plate appearances and figures to be replaced by Juan Pierre. Ramirez will be back in July, and the Dodgers are already up 6.5 games in the division. So they’ll probably be fine. But this certainly throws a wrench into Manny’s contract situation. He has to decide in November whether to opt out of his $20MM 2010 salary.

This comes as a huge blow to the Dodgers, as they’ve gotten off to a fantastic start due to Manny’s offense. I don’t think this will effect them in the long run, but it’ll slow them down now.

I figure that Juan Pierre will be given most of Manny’s at bats, unless they make a deal for another outfielder. It wouldn’t make much sense though, as Manny will be back in 2 months.