Toronto Blue Jays infielder Orelvis Martinez has been suspended for 80 games after testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug. Martinez, who made his Major League debut on Friday, tested positive for Clomiphene, a banned substance.
Toronto Blue Jays infielder Orelvis Martinez has been suspended for 80 games after testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug. Martinez, 22, tested positive for Clomiphene, the team announced. He made his Major League debut on Friday against the Cleveland Guardians.
Martinez, an international signing from the Dominican Republic in 2018, quickly moved up the Blue Jays' farm system. He was ranked as high as 75th in Baseball America's prospect rankings and played in 63 games for Triple-A Buffalo this season, hitting 16 home runs and batting .260.
Blue Jays Infielder Orelvis Martinez Suspended for 80 Games for PED Use
In a statement through the MLB Players Association, Martinez said he tested positive for Clomiphene after visiting a fertility clinic in the Dominican Republic during the offseason. He said he was prescribed Rejun 50, a medication that contained the banned substance, but was assured by the doctor that it did not include performance-enhancing drugs.
"I made the mistake of not disclosing this to my team or the MLBPA," Martinez said. "I take full responsibility for my actions and accept my suspension."
Blue Jays Infielder Orelvis Martinez Suspended for 80 Games for PED Use
The Blue Jays fully support Major League Baseball's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program and "strongly believe in keeping the game on a level playing field," general manager Ross Atkins said.
"We were both surprised and disappointed to learn of Orelvis Martínez suspension," Atkins said. "We will do everything in our power to ensure Orelvis has learned from this mistake."
Blue Jays Infielder Orelvis Martinez Suspended for 80 Games for PED Use
Martinez is set to lose about half of his salary, which was $740,000 in the majors and $120,600 in the minors.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
* Martinez's suspension is a setback for the Blue Jays, who are currently in contention for a wild-card berth.
* The team will have to find a replacement for Martinez at second base, where he was expected to start.
* Several players have tested positive for Clomiphene in recent years, including former Blue Jays outfielder Jose Bautista.
* The use of performance-enhancing drugs is a serious issue in Major League Baseball, and the league has taken steps to crack down on it.
* Martinez's suspension is a reminder that players need to be careful about what they take, even if they are prescribed by a doctor.
* The Blue Jays will hope that Martinez learns from his mistake and returns to the team as a stronger player.
* Martinez's suspension is a reminder that there is no place for performance-enhancing drugs in baseball.
* The league is committed to keeping the game clean and fair for all players.
* Martinez's suspension is a disappointment for the Blue Jays and their fans.
* The team will hope to move on from this setback and continue their push for a playoff berth.
