by Jason Morris

Cleveland Indians’ international free agent suspended by MLB after failing background check

Sunday, August 17, 2008
Paul Hoynes
Plain Dealer Reporter

Major League Baseball has suspended one of the four international free agents the Indians signed in July.

Right-hander Edward Pinales from the Dominican Republic did not pass a background check by MLB officials and was suspended for a year. John Mirabelli, Indians director of scouting, said he wasn’t sure if Pinales said he was younger than he really was or used a false identification.

“In the past when something like this happened, you would renegotiate and sign a player for a lesser amount,” said Mirabelli. “Now Major League Baseball has stepped in and said the player will be suspended for a year and that he can’t sign with another team.”

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