In the 19-year career of Manny Ramirez, the slugger has hit 555 home runs, good for 14th on the all-time list. After today's announcement, it appears that Ramirez will hit no more.
In a statement released by Major League Baseball, Ramirez, currently playing with the Tampa Bay Rays, has announced his immediate retirement rather than go though an investigation process tied to allegations that Ramirez may have once again violated MLB's drug policy.
Here is the official announcement from MLB:
"Major League Baseball recently notified Manny Ramirez of an issue under Major League Baseball's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program," the statement said.
"Rather than continue with the process under the Program, Ramirez has informed MLB that he is retiring as an active player. If Ramirez seeks reinstatement in the future, the process under the Drug Program will be completed. MLB will not have any further comment on this matter."
Ramirez, who was suspended by Major League Baseball for 50 games during the 2009 season for violating Major League Baseball's Performance Enhancing Drug policy, was off to a rough start for the Rays, hitting just .059 in five games.
No further information has been disclosed regarding exactly what the allegations concerning Ramirez and the possible drug violation are.
Bleacher Report will continue to update this breaking news story as more details emerge.
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