The Philadelphia Phillies have welcomed back a shortstop after a year away from the game.
Jose Rodriguez was one of four players given one-year suspensions in 2024 for betting on baseball.
On Thursday, the Phillies activated Rodriguez from the ineligible list and ended up signing him to a minor league contract.
Rodriguez's suspension was for wagering $749 on baseball games while he was a Double-A player in the White Sox system. According to MLB, some of his bets were on MLB games.
The Phillies technically non-tendered Rodriguez (not offering him an MLB contract) so they could then bring him back on the minor league deal.
Rodriguez made a brief MLB debut in 2023 with the White Sox. He appeared in one game as a pinch-runner and scored a run.
MORE: Braves legend returns to MLB with Atlanta after 11 years away
Most of his pro career was in the White Sox system after they signed him out of the Dominican Republic.
In his minor league career, Rodriguez is a .282 hitter.
He also has 136 steals in the minor leagues along with 61 homers.
Rodriguez won't be the first choice to come to Philly if they need an infielder, but he's officially got his second chance.
It's up to him now to prove he deserves a chance back in the majors as more than just a pinch-runner.
In the meantime, Rodriguez likely will be plenty happy to just play some catch. Finally, his baseball career is revived.
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