With the news that Melky Cabrera has been suspended 50 games for testosterone and the San Francisco Giants having just 45 games remaining this season, the question of Cabrera's status come playoff time comes into question.
According to Andrew Baggarly of Comcast SportsNet, the outfielder's suspension will continue into the playoffs. Cabrera will have to sit out five games in the postseason to finish up the 50-game punishment. The suspension is effective immediately.
Now, Baggarly asks whether San Francisco and manager Bruce Bochy will want their star hitter back in the playoffs.
Melky would have to sit out first 5 games of playoffs, not 4. Miscounted...Giants have 45 games left. Whether they want him is another thing
— Andrew Baggarly (@CSNBaggs) August 15, 2012
And that's assuming the Giants keep their top spot in the NL West, as they currently are tied with the Los Angeles Dodgers for the division lead. The two clubs have identical 64-53 records.
Check out McCovey Chronicles for updates about the Giants and be sure to follow more MLB coverage at Baseball Nation.