MLB tells Yankees that Alex Rodriguez will be suspended

A person familiar with deliberations told the Associated Press that Major League Baseball has informed the New York Yankees that Alex Rodriguez will be suspended Monday but can play while he appeals the penalty.

The person spoke Sunday on condition of anonymity because no announcement was authorized.

The Yankees were not told the exact length of the suspension, but were left under the impression it will be through the 2014 season, the person said.

Rodriguez could get a shorter penalty for violating baseball’s drug agreement if he gives up the right to file a grievance and force the case before an arbitrator, the person added.

MLB planned an announcement at 9 a.m. PDT on Monday, a second person familiar with the deliberations said, also on condition of anonymity because no statements were authorized.

In all, 14 players faced discipline after baseball’s probe of the Biogenesis of America, a closed Florida anti-aging clinic accused of distributing banned performance-enhancing drugs.

Rangers’ Nelson Cruz ponders move if suspended

Texas Rangers All-Star outfielder Nelson Cruz says he is ready for whatever decision is handed down by Major League Baseball after its investigation of the Biogenesis clinic.

Cruz is among the players facing possible discipline for his relationship with Biogenesis.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen, but it’s supposed to happen tomorrow,” Cruz said. “It’s not just about myself. It’s about the team. Definitely, I’m concerned.”

The Rangers are scheduled to play the Angels in Anaheim on Monday night, and Cruz wants to be in the lineup. Even if he is suspended, first-time offenders under baseball’s drug program are allowed to play until their penalty is upheld by an arbitrator.

Lawyers have been trying to reach agreements for many of the players who face discipline that would avoid grievances but lead to immediate penalties.

“Tomorrow it’s going to happen,” Cruz said. “Whatever my decision is going to be, I haven’t decided what it’s going to be.”

Thad Levine, Rangers assistant general manager, said the club has made plans in case Cruz is penalized. He emphasized he has no knowledge of any sanctions.

“For better or worse, we have not necessarily been 100% in the loop on this,” Levine said. “We’ll be somewhat reactive to whatever does come down. I think by function of all the innuendo, we’ve certainly had to come up with some sort of Plans B, C and D in the event that something shakes out. We have had discussions about those.”

Cruz is hitting .269 with 27 home runs and 76 runs batted in.

A.J. Burnett and Russell Martin lead Pirates

A.J. Burnett scattered eight hits and Russell Martin provided run support for the right-hander with a three-run home run that led the host Pittsburgh Pirates over the Colorado Rockies, 5-1.

Burnett (5-7) struck out nine and walked one in his first complete game this season and 23rd of his 15-year career. He threw 110 pitches, including 83 strikes.

Martin’s home run came in the fifth inning and put the Pirates ahead, 5-0. Burnett, who has a 2.73 earned-run average, hasn’t gotten much backing this season.

Martin had sat out two of the previous three games because of soreness in his left knee. He drove a pitch from Manuel Corpas down the left-field line for his 10th home run.

The Pirates (67-44), who have the best record in the major league after 20 consecutive losing seasons, maintained their 11/2 -game lead over St. Louis in the National League Central.

Indians’ Scott Kazmir, relievers shut out Marlins

Scott Kazmir and three relievers combined on a four-hitter and the Cleveland Indians won for the 10th time in 11 games, beating the host Miami Marlins, 2-0.

The Indians begin a four-game series at home Monday against American League Central leader Detroit. The Indians are three games behind the Tigers.

“I’d rather be 10 up,” Manager Terry Francona said. “But this makes this really exciting. We get to play the best team in our division and see how we can do.”

Kazmir (7-4) won his fourth decision in a row by limiting the Marlins to two hits in six innings. Bryan Shaw, Joe Smith and Chris Perez pitched one inning each for the Indians, who lead the majors in shutouts with 15.

Top prospect Danny Salazar will rejoin the Cleveland Indians to pitch in their upcoming series against AL Central leader Detroit.

Salazar will be recalled from Triple-A Columbus to start Wednesday, manager Terry Francona said Sunday before the Indians’ game against Miami. Salazar, who began the season in Double-A, pitched six innings to win his major league debut July 11 against Toronto, then returned to the minors.

“Sometimes it’s just a little bit of a balancing act between us winning and giving a guy an opportunity,” Francona said. “It’s not rocket science. We’re just trying to balance out Danny’s career with us winning.”

With the addition of Salazar, Ubaldo Jimenez will be given two extra days of rest and make his next start Friday against the Angels, Francona said. Jimenez took the loss in Miami’s 10-0 win over Cleveland on Friday.

Jimenez said he had no objection to the change. He’s 1-2 with an ERA of 6.92 in three starts against Detroit this season, which was a factor in the decision, Francona said.

“Some of it is competitive, and it also gives us a chance to give him a little bit off a blow,” the manager said. “We thought that would help him. We like the idea of resting him and at the same time seeing what this kid can do.”

Salazar, who has a 99 mph fastball, was signed by the Indians in 2006 and underwent reconstructive elbow surgery in 2010. The 23-year-old right-hander pitched five hitless innings in his most recent start Friday for Columbus against Buffalo.

The rest of the rotation against the Tigers will be Corey Kluber on Monday, Justin Masterson on Tuesday and Zach McAllister on Thursday. The series gives second-place Cleveland a chance to gain ground on Detroit in the division race.