Alex Rodriguez's fate could be decided as early as this week, according to a report.
Major League Baseball officials expect to learn whether Rodriguez's suspension will be upheld, possibly just after New Year's.
Rodriguez is appealing a 211-game ban for alleged performance-enhancing drug violations. Arbitrator Fredric Horowitz will choose whether it stands, will be reduced or erased.
If Rodriguez plays, he could earn about $32 million in 2014 — his $25 million salary plus a $1 million payment of his $10-million signing bonus and, potentially, another $6 million if he hits six home runs to tie Willie Mays' career mark of 660.