New York Yankees Alex Rodriguez Suspended But May Play Through August 8

New York Yankees third-baseman, Alex Rodriguez, highest-paid player in Major League Baseball has been suspended for the rest of the current season plus all of next year.

Rodriguez said he plans to pursue an appeal. He has missed the entire season so far because of injuries but is now coming off the disabled list and can play while appealing the suspension, that goes effective on Aug. 8.

In a statement Rodriguez said, "I am disappointed with the penalty and intend to appeal and fight this through the process, I am eager to get back on the field and be with my teammates in Chicago tonight. I want to thank my family, friends and fans who have stood by my side through all this."

Yankees Manager Joe Girardi plans to put Rodriguez in the lineup for the game against the Chicago White Sox tonight.

Girardi said Sunday, "He's in there, and I'm going to play him."

Rodriguez was suspended because of his use and possession of several types of prohibited performance enhancing drugs.