Gordon rejoins Marlins following 80-game suspension
MIAMI » Dee Gordon walked into the Miami Marlins clubhouse four hours before game time and was greeted at his locker by a three-foot-high stack of boxes — bats, gloves, shoes and more, all new.
“Three months of stuff,” said.
That’s how long he had been gone. Gordon returned Thursday from an 80-game suspension for a positive drug test and was in the lineup against the St. Louis Cardinals, batting leadoff and playing second base.
In conjunction with his reinstatement, Gordon issued an apology on social media addressed primarily to his young fans.
“I know I let you down, and I’m sorry,” Gordon said in a video. “Complacency led me to this, and I’m hurt. I urge you guys to be more responsible than I am about what goes into your body. I wouldn’t wish this on anyone.”
Gordon, who won the NL batting and stolen base titles last year, was suspended in late April after testing positive for two performance-enhancing drugs.
At the time, Marlins president David Samson said Gordon had betrayed the team and fans. Now, Samson and the Marlins say they’re glad to have Gordon back.
“We’re a pretty forgiving society,” Samson said. “It’s important Dee ask for that forgiveness, and he has, and he’ll receive that. He’s got to continue to work to get himself back in with his teammates and the fans, and my son.”
Teammates — even Derek Dietrich, who filled in capably at second base — have said they’re glad to have Gordon return. Manager Don Mattingly said Gordon has the backing of the clubhouse and organization. he “Obviously there was disappointment early on, and then you really want to support him from that point forward,” Mattingly said. “He has been remorseful. He has paid his price.”
Giants acquire All-Star Nunez from Twins
SAN FRANCISCO » The San Francisco Giants acquired All-Star infielder Eduardo Nunez from the Minnesota Twins on Thursday night in exchange for a minor league pitcher.
Nunez was batting .300 with 12 home runs and 47 RBIs this season for the Twins and was leading the American League with 26 steals at the time of the trade.
MLB denies Angels’ protest
NEW YORK » Major League Baseball has denied the Los Angeles Angels’ formal protest of their loss at Kansas City on Wednesday night.
Angels manager Mike Scioscia protested Kansas City’s 7-5 victory, claiming the Royals’ Raul Mondesi ran inside the line on a bunt single in the seventh inning. The play led to a throwing error and two runners scoring, and Scioscia claimed Mondesi was illegally on the grass when pitcher Matt Shoemaker made his errant throw.
Scioscia said at the time he was “100 percent” certain the protest would be upheld, saying the play was “not a judgment call” for home plate umpire Phil Cuzzi.
Royals put Hochevar on DL
ARLINGTON, TEXAS » Kansas City Royals reliever Luke Hochevar has been placed on the 15-day disabled list because of swelling and numbness in his hand when trying to pitch.