The Pittsburgh Pirates announced on Tuesday afternoon that outfielder Starling Marte has been suspended by Major League Baseball for 80 games for violating the league’s Joint Drug Agreement. He was suspended for using a PED called Nandrolone and this now means that he isn’t eligible for the postseason if the Pirates should make the playoffs. He will be eligible to return on July 18th.
The Pirates released the following statement from team President Frank Coonelly regarding Marte’s suspension:
“The Pittsburgh Pirates fully support MLB’s Joint Drug Agreement, including the very tough penalties for violations of its prohibitions. We are disappointed that Starling put himself, his teammates and the organization in this position. We will continue to fight for the division title with the men who are here and will look forward to getting Starling back after the All-Star break.”
UPDATE 3:20 PM: Marte has released a statement:
Statement from Starling Marte (translated) pic.twitter.com/ai6yN0lCMU
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) April 18, 2017