The Effect of Ryan Braun’s Suspension on Jhonny Peralta

July 21, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Detroit Tigers shortstop Jhonny Peralta (27) completes a double play against the Kansas City Royals during the forth inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Ryan Braun has been suspended for the remainder of the 2013 season effective immediately for his use of performance enhancing drugs (PEDs). He will not appeal the suspension saying in a statement released by the MLB, “I realize now that I have made some mistakes. I am willing to accept the consequences of those actions.” Ryan Braun was the headliner on a list of 20 players (15 of them in the Major Leagues right now) along with Alex Rodriguez that was released in relation with the BioGenesis Clinic in Miami. Jhonny Peralta was also on that list.

Ryan Braun staunchly denied his use of PEDs until now. Last year he had a positive test that he was not suspended for due to the mishandling of the test. For Braun to take the suspension without a fight means that there has to be evidence beyond a reasonable doubt that Braun used illegal substances.

So what does that mean for Jhonny Peralta who is also on that list? The next domino to fall is Alex Rodriguez. If Rodriguez is suspended for an extended time, it is a nail in the coffin for Peralta and the rest of the players on that list. It is rumored that the rest of the rest of the suspensions will take place in 10 days to two weeks. Ryan Braun got out in front of those suspension and there are some people wondering if players who are free agents at the end of the season, like Peralta is, will also come out and try to take their suspensions as soon as possible so they can get a contract for the future.

When baseball writer Jon Heyman was asked about the other players on that list, including Jhonny Peralta, he said, “It is probably going to be that list those 15 names are being investigated… I can’t promise all will be suspended, but all 15 are being looked at very closely.”

If the Tigers lose Jhonny Peralta, they will be losing a big part of their lineup this season. Peralta has hit in the 6 hole all year and played shortstop every day. If the Tigers lose him, they will have to turn to Ramon Santiago, Danny Worth, Hernan Perez, or a different option either inside the organization or through a free agent or trade.

So far in 2013, Peralta has played in 92 games hitting at a .305/.363/.417 clip with 8 HR and 46 RBI with an offensive WAR of 2.4 which is the best in the AL. No suspension has been levied against Peralta as of now, but Tigers’ fans do have something to worry about in these next few weeks until all of the dust has settled.