Major League Baseball has evidence that New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez used performance-enhancing drugs throughout the 2010-2012 seasons and also purchased documents in hopes of thwarting its Biogenesis drug investigation, a person familiar with direct knowledge of the investigation told USA TODAY Sports.

The person spoke only on the condition of anonymity because of Rodriguez’s appeal of his 211-game suspension.

Rodriguez used the documents he received from Biogenesis to also implicate Milwaukee Brewers left fielder Ryan Braun and Yankees catcher Francisco Cervelli, according to “60 Minutes.”

The allegations, which long had been suspected by those close to Braun, were denied by Rodriguez’s attorney, David Cornwell, who ironically represented Braun in 2011 when he successfully appealed his positive drug test for testosterone.

Per baseball’s collective bargaining agreement, any allegations of performance-enhancing drug use are to be handled privately before a player’s name is made public. Providing documents listing the names of players would be a direct violation of the CBA.

“The allegations are untrue and are another attempt to harm Alex – this time by driving a wedge between Alex and other players in the game,” Cornwell said in a statement.

“While Alex focuses on baseball and repeatedly states that he is going to respect the appeal process, the drumbeat of false allegations continue.

“These improper and viciously false leaks will not alter the fact that MLB exceeded its authority under the JDA (Joint Drug Agreement), and the 211 game (suspension) will not stand.”

MLB, aware of the pending “60 Minutes” story, informed its owners Thursday at their quarterly meetings that it would break within 24 hours, according to one National League owner.

Braun and Cervelli’s names were redacted in the original Miami New Times’ story in January. “60 Minutes” reports that Biogenesis clinic director Tony Bosch provided performance-enhancing drugs to baseball players and athletes in other sports. Yet, Rodriguez purchased the documents with the unredacted names, according to “60 Minutes,” and sent them several days later to Yahoo!, which reported the names of Rodriguez and Cervelli.

Braun and Cervelli accepted suspensions for their role in Biogenesis, with Braun serving a 65-game suspension for the remainder of the season, while Cervelli received a 50-game ban.

Rodriguez also was suspended for 211 games and is the lone player appealing. Rodriguez’s case is scheduled to be heard by arbitrator Fredric Horowitz, but players union chief Michael Weiner does not expect a decision until November.

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