Rays Notes: Sale Suspension, Niemann Returns, Joyce Injury, Rodriguez Timetable

Rays fans got sudden and stunning news on Tuesday afternoon as 2010 first round pick Josh Sale, who was enjoying a fine 2012 season, tested positive for meth, the 4th such player on the Low-A Bowling Green Hot Rods to test positive for that substance, and will serve a 50-game suspension. It seemed strange that Sale’s suspension was announced later than his teammates who were suspended, but now, thanks to Twitter, we have a better idea of what’s going on.

A fourth #Rays minor-leaguer, OF Josh Sale, suspended after testing positive for meth. What the hell is going on in Bowling Green?
— Steve Carney (@stevecarney) August 28, 2012

"Sale “I believe my suspension is unwarranted and that I did not take any banned substance.”— Micheal Compton (@mcompton428) August 28, 2012"

I pursued an appeal of this suspension but unfortunately was unable to uncover enough evidence of my innocence to proceed in good faith.
— Micheal Compton (@mcompton428) August 28, 2012

Therefore, out of respect for the game and for the drug-testing program, I will cease all further efforts related to my appeal...
— Micheal Compton (@mcompton428) August 28, 2012

From this statement it appears that Sale appealed, while the other 3 didn't. Thus the time difference in suspensions
— Micheal Compton (@mcompton428) August 28, 2012

We would love to give Sale the benefit of the doubt, but pretty much he tested positive, he appealed, he lost, and he gave up. End of story. Hopefully this is a one-time deal and we never hear of anything like this again.

Marc Topkin has reported that Jeff Niemann has completed his rehab and will start Saturday (September 1st) for the Rays. Niemann is expected to not necessarily join the Rays rotation, but get a start here and there as the Rays need. David Price and James Shields are still expected to start every 5th day to give the Rays the best chance to win.

Niemann is coming back, but now both Matt Joyce and Sean Rodriguez are hurt. Here are the latest updates on them.

#Rays Rodriguez won't need surgery for fracture. Expected to return in 3 weeks.
— Roger Mooney (@RogerMooney50) August 28, 2012

Matt Joyce left with a left forearm strain...day to day... #Rays
— Dave Wills (@davewills34) August 29, 2012

#Rays Joyce said muscle in arm grabbed on check swing, doesn't think it's serious but "it's frustrating."
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) August 29, 2012

Good thing Joyce should be OK (Sam Fuld should start in his absence), but Rodriguez has really hurt the team with his actions (punching a locker and fracturing his hand) and now the Rays will have to figure out their shortstop situation for September assuming that he won’t come back.

And now let’s get to a few minor league notes.

Congrats to Leslie Anderson, today named to International League postseason All-Star team http://t.co/M1z45omH #Rays
— Durham Bulls (@DurhamBulls) August 28, 2012

Leslie Anderson put together his best season in the minors in 2012, posting a .313/.362/.462 line with 21 doubles, 14 homers, and 55 RBI in 110 games. Anderson is 30 years old and apparently out of the Rays’ plans, but his 2012 season could cause another team to give him a chance next season.

No affiliate changes for the Rays next season as the Rays have decided to extend their player development contract with the High-A Charlotte Stone Crabs through 2014. The Rays could have considered other High-A affiliates, with several teams possibly available in the California League, but with their spring training in Port Charlotte, it made plenty of since to keep their High-A affiliate there.

The Rays also decided which minor league players to send to the Arizona Fall League, but we’ll talk about that in detail later today.