Manny Ramirez, oficially back to the MLB

NEW YORK- Manny Ramirez has been officially reinstated by Major League Baseball from the voluntary retirement list, the league confirmed Saturday.

The move makes the 39-year-old Ramirez available to sign with a team, although he still must serve a 50-game suspension before he can return to game action.

Ramirez originally was banned for 100 games early last season after testing positive for banned substances for a second time.

He responded to the suspension by announcing his retirement in April after only five games with the Tampa Bay Rays.

But Ramirez expressed his intention to return to the major leagues last weekend. His penalty was reduced following negotiations between the league and the players' union because of his large break from the game.

The former Red Sox slugger was arrested in Broward County, Fla., in September and charged with domestic battery.

His use of banned substances, which came to light late in his career, sullied what once appeared to be certain Hall of Fame credentials.

Ramirez was the 2004 World Series MVP, made 12 All-Star teams and hit 555 home runs in a 19-year career.