In the latest sports scandal, Toronto Blue Jays 2012 first-round draft pick Marcus Stroman has been suspended 50 games for testing positive for performance enhancing drugs, according to Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi.
Stroman released the following statement shortly thereafter:
“Despite taking precautions to avoid violating the minor league testing program, I unknowingly ingested a banned stimulant that was in an over-the-counter supplement. Nonetheless, I accept full responsibility and I want to apologize to the Toronto Blue Jays organization, my family, my teammates, and the Blue Jays fans everywhere. I look forward to putting this behind me and rejoining my teammates.”
The 21-year-old Duke alumni was viewed as one of the more advanced minor league pitchers. Stroman compiled a 3.26 ERA with 23 strikeouts and a .219 opponents batting average between Class-A Vancouver Canadians and Double-A New Hampshire Fisher Cats.
This is a major blow for the Blue Jays in an already disastrous season, as Stroman was projected to make an impact with the big club as soon as next season.
The news was released on the same day as that of Jose Bautista‘s season-ending wrist surgery. The Jays’ slugger will miss 4-5 months, but is expected to make a full recovery by spring training.
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