Phillies' Carlos Ruiz suspended 25 games for positive amphetamine test

Major League Baseball announced on Tuesday that Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz has been suspended 25 games without pay after testing positive for amphetamines.

Ruiz will serve his suspension to begin the 2013 season but will be allowed to participate fully in all spring training activities, including games.

"I apologize to my teammates, the Phillies organization, and the Philadelphia fans," Ruiz said in a prepared statement. "I will serve the imposed 25-game suspension to begin the season and I look forward to returning to the field and working toward bringing a championship back to Philadelphia in 2013."

The Phillies released the following statement:

"The Phillies fully support Major League Baseball's Drug Program. We are disappointed by the news of this violation of the program. We will support Carlos in an appropriate manner and move forward to achieve our goal to play championship-caliber baseball in 2013."

The 33-year-old Ruiz is coming off the best season of his career, in which he hit .325/.394/.540 with 16 homers and 32 doubles in 114 games. He's signed for 2013 at a salary of $5 million.