Major League Baseball is prepared to hand a lifetime suspension to Alex Rodriguez, according to two sources.

The ban could come as soon as this weekend.

"I hope he does it," former Commissioner Fay Vincent said of Selig's intentions. "It's right for baseball. The harder he comes down, the better it is for baseball."

Rodriguez, who used performance-enhancing drugs from 2010-12, according to Biogenesis documents, has never been punished for doping.

Rodriguez will appeal any suspension given to him by the MLB.

Major League Baseball has informed the MLBPA that they plan to suspend Alex Rodriguez and eight other players this week, according to a source.

Most of the players will be suspended for 50 games, but some -- including Rodriguez -- face stiffer penalties for lying to investigators or interfering in baseball's year-long Biogenesis investigation.

David Ortiz won't be suspended for destroying two dugout phones with his bat during this weekend's series between the Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles.

A Major League Baseball spokesman said the incident remains under review, but a suspension has been ruled out.

Unhappy with a pair called strikes by umpire Tim Timmons on Saturday night, Ortiz returned to the dugout after being ejected and destroyed the covers of two phones with his bat before charging onto the field.

There have been indications that Major League Baseball will announce more Biogenesis suspensions this week, including one for Alex Rodriguez.

Rodriguez's representatives met with league officials in recent days, according to the New York Post. A member of Rodriguez's team said it is "unequivocally untrue" that he is seeking a settlement.

It has become evident that baseball is going to demand Rodriguez's punishment far exceed Ryan Braun's.

There is growing belief around baseball that Bud Selig will request a suspension for the rest of this season and all of next year.

Alex Rodriguez could receive a lifetime ban by the MLB, according to a source.

The MLB has evidence against Rodriguez "far beyond" what they had against Ryan Braun.

Rodriguez hasn't played at all this season and is trying to make a deal with the MLB about his involvement in Biogenesis of America.

The New York Yankees signed Rodriguez to a 10-year, $275 million contract in 2007.

Alex Rodriguez is trying to make a deal with Major League Baseball regarding a possible suspension for his involvement in the Biogenesis clinic, according to sources.

The Yankees do not expect Rodriguez to be suspended imminently, despite the announcement of Ryan Braun's suspension on Monday night.

"My understanding is he's trying to make a deal," a source said. "But I don't think it's going to happen [Monday]."

Brian Cashman said the Yankees have not been given any heads-up from MLB regarding a possible suspension of Rodriguez.

Alex Rodriguez is all but assured of a Biogenesis-related suspension, according to sources familiar with the situation.

The ban could be longer than the typical 50 games for first-time offenders.

Rodriguez is expected to be one of up to 15 players to receive suspensions when they are announced.

It was announced on Monday that Ryan Braun would be suspended for the remainder of the season.

Bud Selig announced Monday that Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun has been suspended without pay for the remainder of the season (and playoffs) for violations of the Basic Agreement and its Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. 

The suspension of Braun is effective immediately.

Ryan Braun said: "As I have acknowledged in the past, I am not perfect.  I realize now that I have made some mistakes.  I am willing to accept the consequences of those actions.  This situation has taken a toll on me and my entire family, and it is has been a distraction to my teammates and the Brewers organization.  I am very grateful for the support I have received from players, ownership and the fans in Milwaukee and around the country.  Finally, I wish to apologize to anyone I may have disappointed – all of the baseball fans especially those in Milwaukee, the great Brewers organization, and my teammates.  I am glad to have this matter behind me once and for all, and I cannot wait to get back to the game I love."

"We commend Ryan Braun for taking responsibility for his past actions," said Rob Manfred, Executive Vice President, Economics & League Affairs for Major League Baseball. "We all agree that it is in the best interests of the game to resolve this matter.  When Ryan returns, we look forward to him making positive contributions to Major League Baseball, both on and off the field."

Michael Weiner, the executive director of the player's union, said he expects MLB to present its findings from the Biogenesis investigation "within the next month."

Given the potential length of an appeal process for the players involved, principal players in the Biogenesis investigation could be in limbo into the offseason.

Weiner also said the commissioner's office isn't bound by the terms of the joint drug prevention and treatment program because the players involved in the Biogenesis case did not fail tests and are being investigated for "non-analytical" reasons.

As many as two dozen players could be suspended by Major League Baseball in the wake of the Biogenesis scandal, according to multiple reports.

The suspensions are expected by the end of the month, likely after next week's All-Star break.

Alex Rodriguez and Ryan Braun are the biggest names that have been linked to the clinic at this point. 100-game suspensions have been rumored.