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List of Major League Baseball players suspended for performance-enhancing drugs
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In February 2004, Major League Baseball announced a new drug policy which originally included random, offseason testing and 10-day suspensions for first-time offenders, 30 days for second-time offenders, 60 days for third-time offenders, and one year for fourth-time offenders, all without pay, in an effort to curtail performance-enhancing drug use (PED) in professional baseball. This policy strengthened baseball's pre-existing ban on controlled substances, including steroids, which has been in effect since 1991.[1] The policy was to be reviewed in 2008, but under pressure from the U.S. Congress, on November 15, 2005, players and owners agreed to tougher penalties; a 50-game suspension for a first offense, a 100-game suspension for a second, and a lifetime ban for a third.
In December 2009, Sports Illustrated named baseball's steroid scandal of performance-enhancing drugs as the number one sports story of the decade of the 2000s.[2]
The current penalties, adopted on March 28, 2014, are 80 games for a first offense, 162 games for a second offense, and a permanent suspension ("lifetime ban") for a third.[3] Players are also ineligible from participating in the post-season the same year they receive a suspension, regardless of when their suspension is completed, unless the penalty is reduced on appeal.[4] Players receiving a permanent suspension would be able apply to the Commissioner of Baseball for reinstatement after one year, which, if granted, can occur not sooner than two years after the suspension started.[3]
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Suspended players
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Players are ordered by the announced date of their suspension, placed in the appropriate table per their MLB experience and roster status at the time they were suspended. Players who are active in professional baseball (not limited to MLB) are listed in italics; players who have retired or have been a free agent for over a year are not considered "active".
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Players who were on major league rosters
Players listed in this section were active in MLB at the time of their suspension.
- Alex Rodriguez was initially suspended for 211 games,[69] but continued to play the remainder of the 2013 season while he appealed the suspension.[70] An arbitrator reduced his suspension to 162 games after the season, meaning Rodriguez missed the entire 2014 season.[71] After dropping his subsequent federal lawsuits, Rodriguez served the suspension and returned for the 2015 season.[72]
- Michael Pineda's 80-game suspension was reduced to 60 games because a compelling case was made that the substance was not taken as a masking agent for performance-enhancing drugs.
Players with major league experience on minor league rosters or free agents
This table lists players with prior MLB experience who, at the time of their suspension, were in Minor League Baseball or were a free agent.
- Mitre failed his test while with the Marlins
Players with only minor league experience
This table lists players who, at the time of their suspension, were in Minor League Baseball with no prior MLB experience.
Players with major league experience in a non-affiliated professional league
This table lists players with prior MLB experience who, at the time of their suspension, were in a baseball league not affiliated with MLB, such as Nippon Professional Baseball in Japan or KBO League in Korea.
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Footnotes
Players' responses
- Alex Sánchez said this about his suspension: "I take some kind of stuff I buy over the counter. Multi-vitamin, protein shakes, muscle relaxers, that kind of stuff. Over-the-counter stuff. Stuff to give me energy. I'm surprised because look at what kind of player I am. I never hit any home runs. I don't know. It surprised me."[5]
- Agustín Montero and the Major League Baseball Players' Association filed a grievance after his suspension, saying the penalty was "discipline without just cause."[7]
- Though Jamal Strong did not comment, the Seattle Mariners issued a statement on the matter of drug use in their organization stating, "We are extremely disappointed with our players who have been suspended. While we support those players, we also support the efforts of Major League Baseball to rid baseball of performing enhancing drugs."[9]
- Juan Rincón said this about his suspension: "Baseball is my life and I was devastated after becoming aware that I tested positive for a violation of Major League Baseball's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. The details are confidential and I have asked the player's association to challenge the suspension...What I can share with you today is that I would never knowingly compromise my position within Major League Baseball or jeopardize my relationship with the Minnesota Twins organization or the relationships that I enjoy with my teammates."[11]
- Rafael Betancourt said this about his suspension: "I am very angry and disappointed with Major League Baseball's decision to suspend me. I am going to file a grievance to clear my name. I am very sorry if this has caused any embarrassment and I apologize to my family, the Cleveland Indians organization, my teammates and all the fans...I look forward to resolving this matter and returning to the Indians as soon as possible."[12]
- Rafael Palmeiro said this about his suspension: "I told the truth, and today I am telling the truth again that I did not do this intentionally or knowingly. I hope the fans understand that I worked very hard over a long 20-year career. I put in a lot of time and a lot of effort in my career. I made a mistake and I am facing it. I hope people learn from my mistake and I hope the fans forgive me...I went in front of Congress and I was honest with Congress. There's no absolute reason for me to do anything at this stage of my career. There's nothing for me to gain and everything for me to lose. I knew I was approaching 3,000 hits. I was not about to put everything on the line, my reputation and everything that I've worked for so hard in my life to do anything like this. It just makes no sense."[14]
- Ryan Franklin said this about his suspension: "There has to be a flaw in the system. I have no clue. I tested in [early] May and again three weeks later. The first was positive, the second was negative. There is a flaw in the testing or my urine got mixed up with somebody else's. They said that couldn't happen but I don't believe it...I just know deep in my heart that I'd never do anything like that...I was like, 'Are you kidding me?' I had just woken up from a nap and thought, 'There's no way this is happening to me.' I thought it was a joke."[16]
- Mike Morse said this about his suspension: "First and foremost, I want to apologize to the fans, my teammates, the Mariners' organization, baseball and to my family. Back in November 2003 when I was 21 years old, I made an enormous mistake in my life: I took steroids while in the Minor Leagues. My thigh muscle, which I had previously torn, had never healed and I was scared that my career was over. I was desperate and made a terrible mistake which I deeply regret."[18]
- Though Félix Heredia did not directly comment, his agent, Martin Arburua, told The New York Times, "We're trying to figure out exactly what it is. Whatever it was, though, he did not knowingly take it. He wasn't playing and had no reason to. He was trying to rehab and get back."[22]
- Matt Lawton said this about his suspension: "I made a terrible and foolish mistake that I will regret for the rest of my life. I take full responsibility for my actions and did not appeal my suspension. I apologize to the fans, the game, my family and all those people that I let down. I am truly sorry and deeply regret my terrible lapse in judgment."[24]
- Though Yusaku Iriki did not comment, the New York Mets released a statement saying, "The Mets are obviously disappointed that a member of our organization has tested positive."[26]
- Jason Grimsley did not publicly comment, however, he did name Roger Clemens, Andy Pettitte, Miguel Tejada, Brian Roberts and Jay Gibbons as players who used performance-enhancing drugs in an affidavit to the U.S. Attorney's office. Grimsley requested and was granted his release by the Arizona Diamondbacks five days before he was suspended, which came a day after his home was raided by federal agents investigating performance-enhancing drug use, and chose to retire from baseball rather than face his suspension.[28]
- Guillermo Mota said this about his suspension: "I used extremely poor judgment and deserve to be held accountable. To my teammates and the entire Mets organization, I am sorry. I truly regret what I did and hope that you can forgive me...To baseball fans everywhere, I understand that you are disappointed in me, and I feel terrible and I promise this is the first and last time that this will happen."[30]
- Though Juan Salas did not comment, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays said this: "The Tampa Bay Devil Rays fully support Major League Baseball's drug testing policy. We will do all we can to help Juan get his career headed back on a positive course."[32]
- After his 25-game suspension, Neifi Pérez said this: "I say to my fans that I am not stupid. I know the difference between good and bad and there are things that are going to be known going forward, but my lawyer has advised me not to talk for now."[34] After his 80-game suspension, Pérez stated: "It's not fair. They called three different positives on a 20-day-period. I was using a medicine that was supposedly authorized by the doctors due to a personal condition."[35]
- Mike Cameron said this about his suspension: "The one thing I wanted to make sure was explained is, no steroids. I never took nothing like that before in my life. That would be 50 games, and that would affect me a whole lot more...After all of the analysis and testing, I can only conclude that a nutritional supplement I was taking was tainted."[38]
- Dan Serafini said this about his suspension: "I want to make it known that I did not use any banned substances in order to gain a competitive advantage. However, while playing baseball in Japan, I suffered two significant injuries...While trying to accelerate the healing process of these injuries, I took substances that were prescribed for me by a doctor in Japan."[40]
- Though José Guillén did not comment, the Kansas City Royals' general manager Dayton Moore stated, "We signed Jose knowing that was a possibility. While my initial reaction is one of disappointment, I am thoroughly convinced that Jose will put this behind him and we collectively support him as he begins a new chapter in his baseball life as a member of the Kansas City Royals."[42]
- Jay Gibbons said this about his suspension: "I am deeply sorry for the mistakes that I have made. I have no excuses and bare sole responsibility for my decisions. Years ago, I relied on the advice of a doctor, filled a prescription, charged the HGH, which is a medication, to my credit card and had only intended to help speed my recovery from my injuries and surgeries."[44]
- Eliézer Alfonzo said this about his suspension: "I made a mistake, and I want to apologize to my family, my teammates, the fans and the Giants organization. I know what I did was wrong, and now I will pay the penalty. As a father, I now have to look my children in the eye and explain to them that I have made a big mistake, one, unfortunately, that they are also going to have to deal with, as well as me."[46]
- J. C. Romero said this about his suspension: "I still cannot see where I did something wrong. There is nothing that should take away from the rings of my teammates. I didn't cheat. I tried to follow the rules."[47]
- Manny Ramirez said this about his suspension: "[A doctor] gave me a medication, not a steroid, which he thought was OK to give me. Unfortunately, the medication was banned under our drug policy. Under the policy, that mistake is now my responsibility. I have been advised not to say anything more for now."[49]
- Edinson Vólquez said this about his suspension: "Prior to the conclusion of last season, my wife and I sought medical advice in Cincinnati with the hope of starting a family. As part of my consultation with the physician, I received certain prescribed medications to treat my condition. As a follow up to our original consultation, my wife and I visited another physician in our home city in the Dominican Republic this past off-season. This physician also gave me certain prescribed medications as part of my treatment. Unfortunately, I now know that the medication the physician in the Dominican gave me is one that is often used to treat my condition, but is also a banned substance under Major League Baseball's drug policy. As a result, I tested positive when I reported to spring training. Although I understand that I must accept responsibility for this mistake and have chosen not to challenge my suspension, I want to assure everyone that this was an isolated incident involving my genuine effort to treat a common medical issue and start a family. I was not trying in any way to gain an advantage in my baseball career. I am embarrassed by this whole situation and apologize to my family, friends, fans, teammates, and the entire Reds Organization for being a distraction and for causing them any difficulty. I simply want to accept the consequences, learn from the mistake, and continue to strive to be the best person and baseball player I can be."[51]
- Ronny Paulino said this about his suspension: "To control my weight this season, I used a dietary pill. Regretfully, I recently learned that the dietary pill contained a substance banned under Major League Baseball's drug policy. I am ashamed and saddened for disappointing and distracting my family, my teammates, the entire Florida Marlins organization and baseball fans. My heartfelt and most sincere apology."[52]
- Manny Ramirez chose to retire instead of submitting to the 100-game suspension. However, when he decided to resume his career in 2012, he served the suspension before being able to join the Oakland Athletics.[53]
- Freddy Galvis said this about his suspension: "I have not and never would knowingly use anything illegal to enhance my performance. I have always tried to follow the team's strength and conditioning methods, listen to the trainers, work out hard and eat right. Unfortunately, the rules are the rules and I will be suspended."
- Marlon Byrd said this about his suspension: "I made an inexcusable mistake. Several years ago, I had surgery for a condition that was private and unrelated to baseball. Last winter, I suffered a recurrence of that condition and I was provided with a medication that resulted in my positive test. Although that medication is on the banned list, I absolutely did not use it for performance-enhancement reasons. I am mortified by my carelessness and I apologize to everyone who loves this game as I do. I will serve my suspension, continue to work hard and hope that I am given an opportunity to help a club win later this season."
- Melky Cabrera said this about his suspension: "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 I 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."
- Yasmani Grandal said this about his suspension: "I apologize to the fans, my teammates, and to the San Diego Padres. I was disappointed to learn of my positive test and under the Joint Drug Program I am responsible for what I put into my body. I must accept responsibility for my actions and serve my suspension."[60]
- Carlos Ruiz said this about his suspension: "I am sincerely regretful for my mistake in taking a prohibited stimulant. I apologize to my teammates, the Phillies organization and the Philadelphia fans. I look forward to returning to the field and working toward bringing a championship back to Philadelphia in 2013."[62]
- Ryan Braun said this about his suspension: "As I have acknowledged in the past, I am not perfect, I realize now that I have made some mistakes. I am willing to accept the consequences of those actions. This situation has taken a toll on me and my entire family, and it has been a distraction to my teammates and the Brewers organization. I am very grateful for the support I have received from players, ownership and the fans in Milwaukee and around the country. Finally, I wish to apologize to anyone I may have disappointed, all of the baseball fans especially those in Milwaukee, the great Brewers organization and my teammates. I am glad to have this matter behind me once and for all, and I cannot wait to get back to the game I love."
- Nelson Cruz said about his suspension: "I am thankful for the unwavering support from my family, friends, and teammates during this difficult time. I am looking forward to regaining the trust and respect of the Rangers' organization, my teammates and the great Rangers fans."[64]
- Jhonny Peralta said about his suspension: ""In spring of 2012, I made a terrible mistake that I deeply regret, I apologize to everyone that I have hurt as a result of my mistake, including my teammates, the Tigers’ organization, the great fans in Detroit, Major League Baseball, and my family. I take full responsibility for my actions, have no excuses for my lapse in judgment and I accept my suspension."[65]
- Though Bastardo did not comment, the Phillies released a statement saying: "Obviously, the Phillies are very disappointed to learn of Antonio Bastardo's violation of Major League Baseball's Drug Program. We strongly believe in the Program and look forward to a time when performance enhancing drugs are completely out of baseball. Hopefully the sanctions announced today will bring us closer to that day. We respect the fact that Antonio has acknowledged his serious mistake and accepted his 50-game suspension."
- Though Cervelli did not comment on the situation, the Yankees organization released a statement saying: "We are disappointed with the news today of the suspension of Francisco Cervelli. It's clear that he used bad judgment." Manager of the New York Yankees Joe Girardi also commented, saying: "I think the biggest thing is people learn from things that you've done in your life and you try to grow from it and take time to reflect on what you did and what you want to do in the future. For Cervelli, I think he had made strides this year as a player. I want him to come into Spring Training ready to go and try to learn from what has happened in [his] life."
- Alex Rodriguez said about his suspension: "The number of games sadly comes as no surprise, as the deck has been stacked against me from day one. This is one man's decision, that was not put before a fair and impartial jury. I have been clear that I did not use performance-enhancing substances as alleged in the notice of discipline, or violate the Basic Agreement or the Joint Drug Agreement in an matter, and in order to prove it I will take this fight to federal court."
- Miguel Tejada said about his suspension: ""I apologize to my teammates, the Royals organization and to the Kansas City fans. I have a medical condition that requires medication to treat. I took that medication while re-applying for a Therapeutic Use Exemption. Under the requirements of the Joint Drug Program, I made a mistake in doing so."[73]
- Troy Patton said about his suspension: "I took one (Adderall) because I was stupid, it was the end of the season. It was just a stupid mistake. I don’t have trouble focusing all the time, it just enhances focus in certain situations, and I was just tired, basically. I don’t want to list that as an excuse. I know I took a banned substance. It was just a poor lapse in judgment."[74]
- Maybin said about his suspension: "Unfortunately, in my attempts to switch back to a medicine that had been previously OK'd, I neglected to follow all the rules and as a result I tested positive."[74]
- Santana said about his suspension: "I preach hard work, and don't believe in short cuts, I am very disappointed that I tested positive for a performance enhancing drug. I am frustrated that I can't pinpoint how the substance in question entered my body. I would never knowingly take anything illegal to enhance my performance."[74]
- Mejía said about his suspension: "I know the rules are the rules and I will accept my punishment, but I can honestly say I have no idea how a banned substance ended up in my system."[74]
- McKirahan said about his suspension: "I am extremely sorry for letting down the Atlanta Braves organization, my coaches, teammates and the Braves fans. This is in no way a reflection of my character or morals. I will work hard during my suspension and pray that everyone will find it in their hearts to forgive me."[74]
- Colabello said of his suspension "On March 13, I got one of the scariest and most definitely the least expected calls of my entire life. I was informed by the Players Association that a banned substance was found in my urine. I have spent every waking moment since that day trying to find an answer as to why or how? The only thing I know is that I would never compromise the integrity of the game of baseball. I love this game too much! I care too deeply about it. I am saddened more for the impact this will have on my teammates, the organization and the fans of the Toronto Blue Jays. I hope that before anyone passes judgement on me they can take a look at the man that I am, and everything that I have done to get to where I am in my career."[86]
- Furosemide is a diuretic, but not a performance-enhancing substance. However it is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency and is often used as a masking agent for PEDs
- Cano said of his suspension "Recently I learned that I tested positive for a substance called furosemide, which is not a performance-enhancing substance. Furosemide is used to treat various medical conditions in the United States and the Dominican Republic. This substance was given to me by a licensed doctor in the Dominican Republic to treat a medical ailment. While I did not realize at the time that I was given a medication that was banned, I obviously now wish that I had been more careful. For more than 15 years, playing professional baseball has been the greatest honor and privilege of my life. I would never do anything to cheat the rules of the game that I love, and after undergoing dozens of drug tests over more than a decade, I have never tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance for the simple reason that I have never taken one."
- Beckham said of his suspension: "I was recently notified that I had tested positive for Stanozolol, a prohibited substance under MLB's Joint Drug Agreement. I was given a product from a trusted source, who had advised me that it was safe to take. Regrettably, the product was tainted. I exercised my rights under the Joint Drug Agreement, and presented my case to an independent arbitrator. While I am disappointed in the result, I respect the ruling and understand my responsibilities under the Joint Drug Agreement. I accept full responsibility for putting myself in this position. I sincerely apologize to the Mariners' organization, the fans, my teammates, and my family for this mistake. I look forward to resuming my career once my suspension has been served."
- Michael Pineda release a statement that read, in part: "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."[105]
- Santiago said this about his suspension: "In 2020, while I was not on the roster of a MLB club, I consulted a licensed physician in Puerto Rico who diagnosed me with a condition and recommended hormonal replacement therapy. Because I did not play in 2020, I did not consider that this therapy could ultimately lead to a positive test under MLB's joint drug program. That said, I alone am responsible for what I put in my body, and I was not careful. Therefore, I have decided for forgo my right to an appeal in this matter and accept the suspension. I apologize for any harm this has caused the Seattle Mariners, Mariners' fans, my teammates, and most importantly, my family."
- Laureano said this about his suspension: "I have worked too hard and given too much to this sport to disrespect or cheat the game that I love. I would never do anything to dishonor my family, teammates, and coaches or do anything to let down the many young ball players that look up to me. I take great care of my body and have an extremely regimented diet. Based on the minuscule amount that was briefly in my body, I've learned that it is likely that it was contamination of something I ingested. I have been educated about PEDs through the RBI program and Baseball Factory while growing up. I know I don't need any of that to perform on the baseball field. All my athletic success has come from my hard work, focus and dedication to the game."
- Severino said this about his suspension: "Since late 2020, my wife and I had been trying to start a family unsuccessfully. When we returned to the Dominican Republic after the 2021 season, we sought medical assistance to determine why we had not succeeded. One of the doctors I consulted with prescribed me with a medication to treat infertility issues. Unfortunately, I now know that the medication contained Clomiphene. I accept responsibility for this mistake and have decided not to challenge my suspension."
- "I have been informed by Major League Baseball that a test sample I submitted returned a positive result for Clostebol, a banned substance. It turns out that I inadvertently took a medication to treat ringworm that contained Clostebol. I should have used the resources available to me in order to ensure that no banned substances were in what I took. I failed to do so."[115]
- Though Escalona did not release a statement, the Astros organization released a statement saying: "We were disappointed to learn of the involvement of Sergio Escalona in relation to this matter 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 performance-enhancing substances from our game. Per the protocol outlined in the Joint Drug Program, the Astros will not comment further on this matter."
- Though Colomé did not release a statement, the Rays organization released a statement saying: "We were disappointed to learn of Alex Colome's violation of Major League Baseball's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program, we fully support Major League Baseball's policy and its efforts to eliminate performance-enhancing substances from our game."
- Though Guerra did not release a statement, White Sox assistant general manager Buddy Bell said: "We are always very disappointed when one of our players tests positive, but we know the testing program works, and all of our players also know that everyone in the White Sox organization and all of our resources are available to help at all times."
- César Puello said this about his suspension: "I made certain mistakes during the 2012 season and I accept full responsibility for those mistakes. I look forward to regaining the trust and respect of the Mets’ organization, Mets’ fans and my family, and ultimately helping the club win a championship."
- Michael Chavis said this about his suspension: "When I found out about this, I said, ‘Are you sure you found the right person?’ I was like, ‘No way.’ I went through everything that I possibly could have put in my body. I was like a mad scientist. I was like, ‘What if I took Zyrtec combined with this, would it show up with this?’ I was doing everything. I tore apart my closet, I tore apart anything but I don’t have an answer."
- Colton Welker said this about his suspension: “I want to make it very clear that I have never willingly nor intentionally ingested any substance to enhance my athletic performance. Given the information provided to me by the Players Association and laboratory, the amount detected was so minimal that it would have no effect on enhancing my performance. I understand that a number of other players, like me, have tested positive for this metabolite at microscopic levels, and I intend to join them in seeking answers as to how this is happening in order to clear my name.”
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See also
References
External links
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