FILE - In this Sept. 6, 2013 file photo, New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez throws out Boston Red Sox runner Dustin Pedroia during the fifth inning of a baseball game at Yankee Stadium in New York. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman says Alex Rodriguez's days as an everyday fielder are over and he hopes A-Rod will be New York's fulltime designated hitter. Cashman said during a telephone interview with The Associated Press on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2014, that "I can't expect Alex to be anything." (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun, File)
December 18, 2014 - 1:37 PM
MIAMI - A federal judge has delayed for two months the trial of a cousin of New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez on charges stemming from dealings with the clinic that illegally provided performance-enhancing drugs to baseball players.
U.S. District Judge Cecilia M. Altonaga postponed the trial of Yuri Sucart from Feb. 9 to April 6 — the day the Yankees open at home against Toronto. Sucart's lawyer said in a court filing that Sucart has serious health problems and can't fully participate in his defence.
Prosecutors say Rodriguez would be a witness at Sucart's trial.
Sucart is charged with conspiracy and distribution of testosterone and human growth hormone to MLB players and other athletes through the Biogenesis of America clinic operated by Anthony Bosch.
Rodriguez served a season-long suspension this year for violations of the drug program and baseball's labour contract. He is owed $61 million by the Yankees during the final three seasons of his contract.
News from © The Associated Press, 2014