Judges Keep Rodriguez Lawsuits Separate — For Now

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) — Federal judges say two lawsuits Alex Rodriguez filed against Major League Baseball can remain on separate tracks for now.

U.S. District Judges Lorna G. Schofield and Edgardo Ramos issued a joint order in Manhattan on Friday granting a request by the New York Yankees’ third baseman’s lawyers. MLB and the Major League Baseball Players Association had asked that they be combined before one judge.

In October, Rodriguez sued the league and Commissioner Bud Selig, saying they went on a “witch hunt” to wreck his career and reputation. Rodriguez filed another lawsuit Monday seeking to overturn arbitrator Fredric Horowitz’s ruling that suspends him from baseball for the 2014 season and postseason for violating the sport’s drug agreement and labor contract.

The judges said the lawsuits should remain separate at least until it is decided whether his first lawsuit stays in federal court rather than return to state court, or is dismissed.

A-Rod broke his silence on Thursday, saying the ban could be a nice “timeout” from baseball.

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