This is the official release from Major League Baseball in regards to the 50-game suspension that was given to Ryan Braun which has been overturned - i.e. Braun will not serve a single game of the 50 game suspension that was originally handed down.

Milwaukee Brewers OF and NL MVP Ryan Braun has won his appeal and won’t be suspended. 

MLB issued this statement disagreeing with the decision made by the arbitrator:

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL STATEMENT

          Major League Baseball Executive Vice President for Labor Relations Rob Manfred issued the following statement today:

          “Major League Baseball considers the obligations of the Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program essential to the integrity of our game, our Clubs and all of the players who take the field.  It has always been Major League Baseball’s position that no matter who tests positive, we will exhaust all avenues in pursuit of the appropriate discipline.  We have been true to that position in every instance, because baseball fans deserve nothing less.

“As a part of our drug testing program, the Commissioner’s Office and the Players Association agreed to a neutral third party review for instances that are under dispute.  While we have always respected that process, Major League Baseball vehemently disagrees with the decision rendered today by arbitrator Shyam Das.”

Here is a link to a report about the whole situation at ESPN.

FANTASY TAKE

With the removal of the specter of suspension, Braun leaps up draftboards. After his effort last season, and the last few years for that matter, I don't see how anyone can look at Braun and not think he deserves to be a top-5 overall option. I believe he's a top-2 option along with Matt Kemp, and I'm in favor of Braun going first off the board.

By Ray Flowers