Cardinals ink Peralta to four-year deal

25 November 2013 09:04

Jhonny Peralta, a shortstop who was suspended 50 games last season for doping, signed a four-year Major League Baseball contract with the St. Louis Cardinals.

The 31-year-old Dominican hit .303 with 11 home runs, 30 doubles and 55 runs batted in for the Detroit Tigers this past season.

But he was among the players involved in the Biogenesis doping scheme whose most notable major league player has been New York Yankees standout Alex Rodriguez, who is fighting a 211-game ban that includes extra punishment for attempts to hide his relationship with the Miami health clinic at the heart of the scandal.

Peralta has a .268 batting average with 156 homers, 295 doubles and 698 runs batted in over 1,383 games with Detroit and Cleveland.

"We are pleased to announce that Jhonny has agreed to terms and I know he is equally excited to be joining the Cardinals," Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak said on Sunday.

"Jhonny is among the game's top offensive shortstops, he is a steady defender and he has experience playing for a contender. He gives us proven veteran experience and brings balance and versatility to our everyday lineup."

Source: DSG