FILE/ASSOCIATED PRESS
The Milwaukee Brewers' Ryan Braun is shown celebrating with teammates after scoring a run during the fourth inning of a game against the Colorado Rockies on July 10, 2008.
Braun tested positive in October for elevated testosterone, and ESPN revealed the positive test in December.
“I am very pleased and relieved by today’s decision,” Braun said in a statement. “It is the first step in restoring my good name and reputation. We were able to get through this because I am innocent and the truth is on our side.”
MLB executive vice president Rob Manfred said management “vehemently disagrees” with Das’ decision.
Travis Tygart, chief executive officer of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, called the decision “a real gut-kick to clean athletes.”
TORRE STEPS ASIDE: Joe Torre and real estate developer Rick Caruso have bowed out of their joint bid to purchase the Los Angeles Dodgers, The Los Angeles Times reported Thursday.
The Times, citing sources close to the sale process, reported that Caruso could jump back into the bidding for the Dodgers if McCourt were to agree to sell the parking lots.
CARTER’S SERVICE: The memorial service for family and friends Hall of Fame catcher Gary Carter will be streamed live on the Internet.
The service, to be held in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., tonight, can be watched on the Christ Fellowship Church’s Web site at http://live.goChristFellowship.com.
Carter died a week ago at 57.
OSWALT’S RETURN: The agent for Roy Oswalt says the right-hander is still evaluating his options and plans on pitching in the major leagues this season. Oswalt became a free agent when Philadelphia chose not to pick up his $16 million option for this season.
