A’s Montas suspended 80 video games, out for playoffs
Jeff PassanESPN
CloseESPN MLB insider
Writer of “The Arm: Contained in the Billion-Greenback Thriller of the Most Priceless Commodity in Sports activities”
Oakland Athletics starter Frankie Montas has been suspended for 80 video games after testing optimistic for the banned performance-enhancing substance Ostarine, MLB stated Friday.
Montas, 26, was within the midst of a breakout season by which he was 9-2 with a 2.70 ERA and 97 strikeouts in opposition to 21 walks in 90 innings. He is not going to be eligible to return to the A’s till the top of September and won’t be eligible to pitch within the postseason.
After Montas examined optimistic, he argued that he took a tainted substance not supposed to reinforce his baseball efficiency. Whereas the argument was credible, sources stated, Montas opted in opposition to interesting the suspension and ultimately accepted the usual first-time penalty for a banned substance.
Montas stated in a press release issued by the MLB Gamers Affiliation he was “deeply saddened” by the optimistic check.
“Whereas I by no means supposed to take any prohibited substance, I sadly and unknowingly ingested a contaminated complement that I had bought over-the-counter at a diet retailer right here in america,” Montas stated within the assertion. “That stated, I respect MLB guidelines and perceive my tasks below the Joint Drug Settlement, and settle for full accountability. I sincerely apologize to the A’s group, the followers, my teammates, and my household for this error. My hope is to have the ability to return to the A’s later this season and contribute as greatest I can.”
The best-handed Montas has been the perfect pitcher for Oakland and was a reputable All-Star candidate earlier than the suspension. At 40-36, the A’s are one recreation behind Boston for the second wild-card spot within the American League.
“The A’s have been upset upon studying of this suspension,” the group stated in a press release. “We totally assist MLB’s Joint Drug Prevention and Therapy Program and we’ll welcome Frankie again after the self-discipline has been served.”
Oakland does have a surplus of beginning pitching primed to affix the roster heading into the second half. High prospect Jesus Luzardo is anticipated to make his subsequent look at Triple-A after lacking the season’s first two months with a shoulder harm.
A.J. Puk, additionally a dynamic left-hander, is at Excessive-A increase his pitch rely after Tommy John surgical procedure final spring. Sean Manaea, the ace of Oakland’s employees final season, is nearing a rehab project following shoulder surgical procedure in September.