MLB, Rodriguez await suspension decision

Now the waiting begins for Alex Rodriguez and Major League Baseball.

A-Rod’s grievance hearing to overturn his 211-game suspension ended Thursday when both sides rested their cases, a day after the New York Yankees third baseman angrily walked out and decided not to testify in his own defense.

The sides set a schedule to file briefs by Dec. 11 and reply to briefs by Dec. 21, which will close the record and submit the matter to arbitrator Fredric Horowitz.

His decision on whether to uphold or alter the discipline for the three-time AL MVP likely will be made in January, a person familiar with the proceedings said. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because no statements were authorized.

Rodriguez’s lawyers already are vowing to challenge the ruling in federal court, where judges usually are reticent to overturn an arbitration decision unless there is a finding the arbitrator was biased, exceeded his authority or failed to comply with the rules agreed to by the parties. AP