Twins’ pitcher Michael Pineda suspended for 60-games for violating MLB drug policy
On September 7, the Office of the Commissioner of Baseball announced that Minnesota Twins pitcher Michael Pineda received a 60-game suspension, without pay, after testing positive for Hydrochlorothiazide, a Diuretic, in violation of Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. That 60-game suspension was ordered to begin immediately.
Also on September 7, immediately following the Commissioner’s statement, the Twins released their own statement, saying:
“We were disappointed to learn of the suspension of Michael Pineda for violating Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. We fully support Major League Baseball’s policy and its efforts to eliminate banned substances from our game. Per the protocol outlined in the Joint Drug Program, the Minnesota Twins will not comment further on this matter.”
In 2017, the 30-year-old Pineda signed a two-year contract worth $10 million with the Twins.
Regarding his suspension, the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) tweeted the following statement on Pineda’s behalf:
“I’d like to begin with my sincere apologies to the Twins organization, the fans, my teammates, and my family for my error in judgment.
“I mistakenly took a medication that was given to me by a close acquaintance, who obtained it over-the-counter and assured me it would safely help me manage my weight. I ingested a few of these pills without the consent of the Twins’ training staff. Testing revealed trace elements of a substance called Hydrochlorothiazide, which is a banned diuretic under baseball’s testing program.
“It was shocking for me to hear. I never intended to cheat the system, other players, or opposing teams. While I am pleased that the arbitrator found there was clear and convincing evidence to reduce my discipline, I realize that I am ultimately responsible for what goes in my body and therefore respect the 60-game suspension that remains. I hope that I can be an example to others about how important it is to check with experts before taking any substance from an outside source.”
(Source: MLB)
~ Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today / Connect with Richard on Facebook and Twitter
