Well, that was fast.

After retiring this spring rather than serve a 100-game suspension for violating Major League Baseball’s drug policy, Manny Ramirez says now that he wants to return to the game and face his punishment. He plans to seek a formal reinstatement.

“I would comply with my pending sanction and I would be available for any major league team,” he told ESPNdeportes.com. “I already informed [agent] Scott Boras of my decision to return and begin the process.”

Ramirez’s change of heart about retirement came after after the slugger learned he was ineligible to play in the Dominican Republic’s Winter League, since it is run by MLB and under the league’s jurisdiction, too.

At 39, it’s a longshot anyone would sign Ramirez, who was charged with domestic battery earlier this month after allegedly hitting his wife. He says he’d potentially play in Japan or elsewhere if no MLB teams bite.

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