Photo: Philliedelphia/Frank Klose
The Phillies' 2013 season got off to a really rough start when they were without their starting catcher Carlos Ruiz for the first 25 games thanks to a suspension stemming from a violation of the Joint Drug Agreement. With Erik Kratz and Humberto Quintero behind the dish, the Phillies lost the offensive production from their most productive offensive force of 2012. The reason for Ruiz's suspension? Ruiz's use of the drug Adderall, a drug commonly prescribed to address ADHD. That will not be an issue in 2014.
Bob Brookover of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports that Ruiz has been given an exemption to use the drug:
Shortly before Ruiz signed a three-year deal worth $26 million to remain with the Phillies in mid-November, an official from another team that was in pursuit of the free agent told Fox Sports that the former all-star catcher had received an exemption that would allow him to use Adderall in 2014.
It is unfortunate for the Phillies and for Ruiz personally that the suspension came before the exemption.
The Phillies signed Ruiz to a three-year, $30 million deal this past offseason. While the deal is longer than many would prefer, at least we will know that the issue is settled. For Ruiz, hopefully this deal will mean peace of mind.
