Remorseful Gordon returns to Marlins after suspension
Dee Gordon walked into the Miami Marlins clubhouse four hours before game time and was greeted at his locker by a 3-foot-high stack of boxes — bats, gloves, shoes and more, all new. BASEBALL NOTES “Three months of stuff,” he 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 St. Louis, 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 National League 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.”
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.
“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.”
In his video, the 5-foot-11-inch, 170-pound Gordon said he learned from his mistake.
“I thought being the smallest guy, I would never fail a drug test,” he said. “I didn’t pay attention at all, and I didn’t meet the standards. That’s my fault and no one else’s. But don’t give up on me.”
GIANTS — San Francisco acquired All-Star infielder Eduardo Nunez from Minnesota for a minor league pitcher.
Nunez, 29, was batting .300 with 12 home runs and 47 RBIs this season and was leading the American League with 26 steals.
A .275 career hitter, Nunez is likely to play third base until injured Matt Duffy (strained left Achilles) returns.
The Twins acquired left-hander Adalberto Mejia, 23, who had a 2.81 ERA in 18 starts between Double-A Richmond and Triple-A Sacramento.
ROYALS — Reliever Luke Hochevar was placed on the 15-day disabled list with symptoms of thoratic outlet syndrome, including swelling and numbness in his right hand.
Manager Ned Yost said the team still is running tests to find out precisely what is wrong with Hochevar, 32, who is 2-3 with a 3.86 ERA in 40 appearances this season.
RANGERS — Outfielder Josh Hamilton says he is feeling no pain seven weeks after extensive surgery on his left knee.
The 35-year-old five-time All-Star expects to be with the Rangers when they get to spring training in Arizona before next season.
During surgery June 8 in Houston, Hamilton’s anterior cruciate ligament was reconstructed. Dr. Walt Lowe also repaired meniscus and lateral cartilage in the knee.