MLB pushes back Biogenesis announcement

New York • Alex Rodriguez may have to wait a little longer Monday for official word on his suspension.

Instead of noon, Major League Baseball was likely to push back an announcement on Biogenesis punishments until later in the day, people with knowledge of the decision said. They spoke on condition of anonymity because no statements were authorized.

In a one-of-a-kind day, A-Rod was to make his season debut for the New York Yankees on Monday night, just hours after receiving the suspension and appealing the penalty.

MLB informed the Yankees on Sunday that A-Rod will be suspended for his links to a clinic accused of distributing banned performance-enhancing drugs, one of the people said, speaking on condition of anonymity because no statement was authorized.

The Yankees weren't told the exact length of the suspension, though they were under the impression it will be through the 2014 season, the person said.

But the person also said A-Rod will be eligible to play while he appeals the penalty to an arbitrator.

The Yankees star could get a shorter penalty if he agrees to give up the right to file a grievance and force the case before an arbitrator, the person added.

A suspension from Monday through 2014 would total 214 games, and an unsuccessful appeal could stretch serving the penalty into 2015.