MLB roundup: Phillies’ Ruiz suspended

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Add catcher to the Philadelphia Phillies’ needs this offseason.

All-Star Carlos Ruiz was suspended Tuesday for the first 25 games of next season following a positive test for an amphetamine. The 33-year-old catcher had a career year in 2012, hitting .325 with 16 homers and 68 RBIs in 114 games.

“I am sincerely regretful for my mistake in taking a prohibited stimulant,” Ruiz said in a statement issued by the Major League Baseball Players Association. “I apologize to my teammates, the Phillies organization and the Philadelphia fans. 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.”

Ruiz will be eligible to participate in spring training, including exhibition games.

“The Phillies fully support Major League Baseball’s drug program,” the team said. “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.”

Erik Kratz will likely begin the 2013 season as Philadelphia’s starting catcher while Ruiz serves his suspension. Kratz, a career minor-leaguer, filled in nicely when he finally got a chance after Ruiz went down with a foot injury. Kratz hit .248, but had nine doubles, nine homers and 26 RBIs in only 141 at-bats. Kratz also threw out 45 percent of base-stealers (15 of 33).

Cubs agree to 1-year deal with RHP Feldman

CHICAGO — The Chicago Cubs and former Texas Rangers pitcher Scott Feldman have agreed to a one-year contract, the team said Tuesday.

Feldman is guaranteed $6 million next season and can earn another $1 million in incentives.

The 29-year-old right-hander was 39-44 with a 4.81 ERA over eight years with the Rangers, going 6-11 with a 5.09 ERA in 29 appearances (21 starts) last season.

A reliever early in his career, he has made 20 or more starts in four of the last five seasons, and general manager Jed Hoyer made it clear the Cubs see him as part of the rotation.

“We signed Scott as a starter,” Hoyer said. “I know he’s bounced around a little bit with the Rangers, but in large part, that was due just to the amount of starting pitchers they had and their depth. We clearly see him as a starter, and we’re excited to add him to the rotation.”

The 6-foot-7 Feldman’s best season was in 2009, when he won 17 games. He missed the first half of the 2011 season while recovering from right knee surgery, and it was clear to him after last season that he and the Rangers were going to part ways.

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