Photo: J. Meric/Getty Images/2011 Getty Images
Manny Ramirez has informed Major League Baseball that he is retiring after being notified of an issue under the league’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. Michael S. Schmidt of the Times reports that, according to two people briefed on the matter, Ramirez tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug during spring training and was recently informed of the result. Ramirez — who was suspended in 2009 when his urine sample showed enhanced levels of testosterone — would have faced a 100-game suspension for this violation, Schmidt reports. Said a statement from Major League Baseball: “If Ramirez seeks reinstatement in the future, the process under the Drug Program will be completed.” [Bats/NYT]