MLBPA Files Grievance Against Marlins Over Rehab Pay

The MLBPA filed a grievance in September against the Marlins "over how they pay rehabbing players," according to Juan Rodriguez of the South Florida SUN-SENTINEL. At least "13 players over the past five seasons stand to collect additional per diem and reimbursements for lodging while rehabilitating from injuries at the club's minor league complex in Jupiter." One agent with knowledge of the case said that the "total sum could reach six figures." The agent said, "There are 29 teams and then there are the Marlins ... This is organizational fraud." The Marlins play regular-season games close to their spring training complex, which affords rehabbing major league players "easy access to the club's medical staff and facilities." The CBA states a disabled player not traveling on the road with the team should receive "the full allowance if he is residing at a hotel or motel in either the metropolitan area of the club, or one to which the player has gone at the request of the club." Part of the grievance stems from the Marlins giving injured players per diem "only when the team is on the road." The Marlins "apparently" consider Jupiter part of their metropolitan area, "relieving them of some fiduciary duties to injured players choosing to reside there." The agent said, "Several agents brought it to the [MLBPA's] knowledge. It's similar to a class action suit." The MLBPA is awaiting further information from the Marlins, and a hearing date has not been set (South Florida SUN-SENTINEL, 11/11).