Brewers Are First to Ban Supplements

The Milwaukee Brewers banned supplements from their clubhouse and discouraged players from using them, but it was unclear if the team could enforce its new rule.

Brewer players received a document this week in Phoenix outlining the dangers of supplements containing stimulants and steroids.

“Because of health risks, the Milwaukee Brewers do not recommend that any of their personnel take supplements,” the document said. “Club policy forbids the storage of supplements in the clubhouse [including your locker]. Players who choose to take supplements should make the medical staff aware of which supplements they are taking to minimize their health risks.”

Players were required to sign and date the document.

“Everybody signed it,” said Wes Helms, the Brewers’ player representative. “Everybody agreed with what it said.”

General Manager Doug Melvin, however, said the club cannot prohibit storage or use of legal supplements in the clubhouse without approval from the players’ union.

Gene Orza, the union’s No. 2 official, was not concerned.

“I’m confident we can work out the problems of unilaterally adopted club policy,” he said.

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Eric Milton’s left knee injury is more serious than anticipated, leaving the Minnesota Twins uncertain when the left-hander will return to the mound.

Arthroscopic surgery revealed loose cartilage rubbing against Milton’s knee. He will be on crutches for two weeks before he can begin rehabilitation.

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Yankee pitcher David Wells had treatment for a sprained left ankle and did not take part in drills at Tampa, Fla.... Seattle outfield prospect Jamal Strong will be sidelined three months because he needs surgery on his severely dislocated left shoulder.