Major League Baseball just announced Friday afternoon that Manny Ramirez is retiring from baseball after the league recently notified him of "an issue" under baseball's drug prevention and treatment program. Per their official statement:
"Major League Baseball recently notified Manny Ramirez of an issue under Major League Baseball's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. Rather than continue with the process under the Program, Ramirez has informed MLB that he is retiring as an active player. If Ramirez seeks reinstatement in the future, the process under the Drug Program will be completed. MLB will not have any further comment on this matter."
The Tampa Bay Rays issued their own, brief statement as well: "We are obviously surprised and disappointed by this news. We will have no further comment on this matter."
Ramirez, who had already been suspended 50 games for violating baseball's Performance Enhancing Drug policy in 2009, would have faced a 100-game suspension for a second violation.
The 38-year old signed with Tampa Bay in the offseason had just 17 at-bats in five games with the Rays this season. Ramirez, one of his generations best hitter, will retire with 555 career home runs.