We wrote a few minutes ago about the investigation into Padres GM A.J. Preller and how he allegedly kept two sets of medical records in order to deceive trade partners. Major League Baseball just weighed in on at least one part of that investigation.
The league has suspended Preller for 30 days:Major League Baseball has completed an investigation into the July 14th transaction in which pitcher Drew Pomeranz was traded from the San Diego Padres to the Boston Red Sox. MLB’s Department of Investigations conducted the thorough review, which included interviews with relevant individuals from both Clubs. The findings were submitted to Commissioner Robert D. Manfred, Jr.
As a result of this matter, Major League Baseball announced today that A.J. Preller, Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Padres, has received a 30-day suspension without pay.
The statement says nothing else of substance. It does not say what, exactly, Preller did wrong. Nor does it weigh in on the Padres’ other controversial transaction this summer involving Collin Rea to the Marlins.
With respect to Pomeranz, it is known that, after acquiring him from San Diego, the Red Sox became aware of certain preventative health measures provided for Pomeranz by the Padres that weren’t disclosed in baseball’s medical database.
Thirty days for Preller is something one presumes that he can endure just fine given what he likely makes. The far more significant angle to this is what 29 other general managers think about dealing with him and the Padres now that they know he’s been trying to put something over on them.