Some of the biggest players in the league will face 50-game suspensions for their role in using performance-enhancing drugs.  Plus, players who the league believe lied during interviews pertaining to the Biogenesis wellness clinic could receive additional discipline.

The laundry list of players who have agreed to suspensions with the league includes Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Antonio Bastardo, New York Mets utilityman Jordany Valdespin and Houston Astros minor leaguer Sergio Escalona.  This news comes after documents and testimony from Biogenesis owner Anthony Bosch linked them to performance-enhancing drug use.  Yankees superstar Alex Rodriguez has also been issued a ban for the 2014 season as well.

A-Rod, now 38-years old, is certainly the most decorated player to be suspended, being a the three-time MVP and baseballs highest-paid player in history.   He was suspended today, Monday August 5th, for 211 games after being found in violation of Major League Baseball's anti-drug policy. The suspension will begin this Thursday.  If the ban is upheld, Rodriguez, would lose about $34 million in salary.  FYI, he is under contract with the Yankees for four seasons after this one, over which the Yankees owe him $86 million.

However, Rodriguez is appealing the ban, which extends through the 2014 season.  Ironically enough, as a player who has not been suspended previously, he can actually play during the appeal process.  The being said, he is expected to be in the New York Yankees lineup tonight night for their game against the Chicago White Sox.

The Milwaukee Brewers outfielder and also a former MVP, Ryan Braun was suspended for the remainder of the season which is approximately 65 games on July 22.  He previously beat a positive test result through the league drug program's appeal process, however this go around did not appeal MLB's decision.

Other players receiving 50-game suspensions are Texas Rangers outfielder Nelson Cruz, Detroit Tigers shortstop Jhonny Peralta, San Diego Padres shortstop Everth Cabrera, Yankees catcher Francisco Cervelli, minor leaguers Jesus Montero, Cesar Puello and Fernando Martinez, and free agents Jordan Norberto and Fautino de los Santos.

While Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Melky Cabrera, Oakland A's pitcher Bartolo Colon and Padres catcher Yasmani Grandal, whose names also surfaced in Biogenesis documents, were not suspended because they have each served prior 50-game suspensions based on a positive test.

With word of these suspensions, the league, it's owners and fans will definitely feel the  loss of these players.

More From 107 JAMZ