Melky Cabrera Suspended For Positive Drug Test
San Francisco Giants outfielder Melky Cabrera, one of the best offensive players for the team this season, has been suspended 50 games without pay by Major League Baseball after testing positive for testosterone.
The commissioner’s office said the suspension is effective immediately meaning Cabrera will miss the remainder of the regular season.
Major League Baseball said on Wednesday that the outfielder tested positive for the banned performance-enhancing substance, which violates MLB’s joint drug prevention and treatment program.
Cabrera was batting .346 on the season with 11 home runs and 60 RBIs. He was also the MVP of the All Star Game in Kansas City.
The Giants released the following statement following the suspension: “We were extremely disappointed to learn of the suspension of Melky Cabrera for violating Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention & Treatment Program. We fully support Major League Baseball’s policy and its efforts to eliminate performance enhancing drugs from our game. Per the protocol outline by Major League Baseball’s collective bargaining agreement, the Giants will not comment further on this matter.”
Cabrera said in his own statement: “My positive test was the result of my use of a substance I should not have used. I accept my suspension under the Joint Drug Program and will try to move on with my life. I am deeply sorry for my mistake and I apologize to my teammates, to the San Francisco Giants organization and to the fans for letting them down.”
The Giants are currently tied with the Los Angeles Dodgers for first place in the National League West. It is important to note that if the team does qualify for the playoffs, Cabrera would be eligible to play once his suspension is over, which would be five games after the end of the regular season.
Photo Credit: X Wad, via Wikimedia Commons
