DETROIT — Cubs catcher Geovany Soto will not be suspended by Major League Baseball or his team after testing positive for marijuana at this year’s World Baseball Classic.
Soto, last season’s NL rookie of the year, drew a two-year ban from international competition by the International Baseball Federation.
“I am embarrassed by my lapse in judgment,” he said Thursday. “While I fully acknowledge my inappropriate behavior, I want to assure my fans and my family that this was an isolated incident.”
Soto’s result will be treated by MLB like a first-time positive test. There is no suspension, but players can be fined and are subject to medical review.
• The Cubs activated utility player Ryan Freel (hamstring) and placed outfielder Reed Johnson on the disabled list, retroactive to June 21, with back spasms.
Footnotes.
Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton, recovering from abdominal surgery, is ahead of schedule in his recovery and is expected to return to the lineup about a week before the All-Star Game on July 14.
• Struggling Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins will be out of the starting lineup at least two games.
• Ian Snell, the Pirates’ No. 2 starter, has been demoted to the minors after winning once in his last 12 starts.
• Rays third baseman Evan Longoria was held out of the lineup against the Phillies with a hamstring injury the team doesn’t believe is serious. The Associated Press
