ANDl Oakland Athletics center fielder Ramón Laureano was suspended 80 games without pay by the Major League Baseball commissioner’s office, after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance.
The Major League Baseball Commissioner’s Office noted that the Dominican player tested positive for nandrolone, which violates the Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program of the majors. The suspension is effective immediately.
“I would never knowingly ingest a prohibited substance or put the sport that I have loved all my life at risk. When I found out that he had tested positive for nandrolone I was shocked, “Laureano said in a statement issued by the players’ union.
“I take care of my body and have an extremely regulated diet. Based on the small amount that was in my body temporarily, I understand that it is probably contamination from something I ingested. I have been educated about prohibited substances through special programs (RBI and Baseball Factory) growing up. I know I don’t need any of that to perform on a baseball field. My athletic success is based on hard work, concentration, and dedication to the game. “
The punishment was made known hours before the Athletics began a weekend series at home against the Rangers from Texas.
“The A’s are disappointed to learn of the suspension. We fully support the Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program and we will welcome Ramón once he completes his punishment, “the Athletics commented in a press release.
Laureano, 27, is hitting .246 with 14 homers and 39 runs RBIs in 88 games this season.