MLB: A-Rod to receive lifetime suspension by weekend - reports

Major League Baseball will suspend Alex Rodriguez for life likely by Friday or sooner, according to USA Today.

Commissioner Bud Selig is prepared to levy a lifetime suspension on the New York Yankees third baseman, two people with knowledge of MLB's decision told USA Today on Wednesday (Thursday, PHL time).

The Rodriguez announcement, as well as the punishment for eight others, is expected Thursday or Friday.

Rodriguez's lawyer has said that he will appeal any suspension. But other players who are expected to be punished for ties to Biogenesis, the Miami clinic that has been accused of providing performance-enhancing drugs, are expected to accept their 50-game suspensions.

All-Stars Nelson Cruz of Texas and Detroit's Jhonny Peralta have been linked to Biogenesis and likely will be suspended. As many as 20 players were linked to Biogenesis, but because of a lack of evidence, some will go unpunished.

Rodriguez never has been punished for doping, yet MLB will argue that Rodriguez tried to sabotage their investigation, which would give reason for the lifetime suspension.

Baseball commissioner Bud Selig could invoke Article XII (B) of the CBA, which states:

"Players may be disciplined for just cause for conduct that is materially detrimental or materially prejudicial to the best interests of baseball, including, but not limited to, engaging in conduct in violation of federal, state or local law."

The 38-year-old Rodriguez has not played this year while he recovers from offseason hip surgery.

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman announced Wednesday (Thursday, PHL time) that Rodriguez will play in a simulated game Thursday in Tampa and will begin a rehab assignment on Friday (Saturday, PHL time). Cashman refused to say where Rodriguez will make that rehab assignment.

"We have a schedule and we'll be checking the weather," Cashman said. "We don't want to say yet."

Rodriguez was ready to make his 2013 regular-season debut sometime last week, but that was scrapped when the three-time American League Most Valuable Player suffered a strained quad.

Cashman refused to discuss the possible suspension of Rodriguez in the Biogenesis scandal. - Reuters