"The Rays knew there were risks when they signed Manny Ramirez, given the controversial reputation that preceded him. But they were stunned and disappointed at the extent of the damage Friday as Ramirez retired rather than face or fight a 100-game suspension after failing a spring urine test for a performance-enhancing drug.

"We're obviously surprised … and hurt by what's transpired here," Rays executive vice president Andrew Friedman said. "But as a group we have to collect ourselves and move forward."

Ramirez, 38, leaves the game as one of the most accomplished hitters and entertaining players in history, but also the latest to do so with his accomplishments tainted by drug use, having previously been suspended in 2009.

"I'm at ease," Ramirez told ESPNdeportes.com from his South Florida home. "God knows what's best (for me). I'm now an officially retired baseball player. I'll be going away on a trip to Spain with my old man."

Neither Rays officials nor players would address how the latest incident taints Ramirez's legacy or his chances, with 555 career home runs, to make the Hall of Fame, which now seems unlikely.

"I'm not going to get into that," said Rays leftfielder Johnny Damon, a former Red Sox teammate as well. "It's unfortunate. I don't know everything that's been brought up. All I know is he was a great teammate and a great player, and I think the other part is just an unfortunate thing. It's going to be sad not seeing Manny Ramirez around a baseball field.""