Phillies

Good News! Chooch Has Permission to Take the Drug that Makes Him Hit .325

By Kyle Scott

Published: Feb 19th, 2014 · 2:34 PM EST

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Bob Brookover today wrote about a storyline that flew under the radar this offseason– Carlos Ruiz has permission to take Adderall, something he didn’t have in 2012 when he batted .325 before being suspended in the offseason:

He is among a growing number of major-league players with an exemption. According to a joint release by MLB and the Players Association in November, a record total of 122 therapeutic exemptions were granted last season, including 119 for ADHD. That number is a controversial one because it means that roughly 10 percent of major-league players have a diagnosis of ADHD, much higher than the 4.4 percent reported among the United States’ general population.

Regardless, the fact that Ruiz is again able to get the help he believes he needs is good for the Phillies.

“I don’t want to talk about that,” Ruiz said before the Phillies’ first full-squad spring training workout of the Ryne Sandberg era. “I’m fine and I feel great. I know it was reported, but that’s something that is personal. I’m great now.”

Does this make up for a 57-point dip in batting average? Probably not. But it can’t hurt. And we so happy Chooch so happy.

Meanwhile, Brookover was very wrong with this statement:

It’s understandable that Ruiz does not want to talk about it. Former Phillies centerfielder Shane Victorino, who also requires medication for ADHD, exercised the same philosophy.

Oh?

Right.

H/T to (@RyanDonnelly02)