With 45 games remaining the regular season, the San Francisco Giants will have to chase down a playoff spot sans their star left fielder.
Outfielder Melky Cabrera has been suspended 50 games after testing positive for testosterone, a substance that is in violation with MLB’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program, the Office of the Commissioner of Baseball announced Wednesday.
The Giants organization released a statement on the matter, following the league’s ruling.
“We were extremely disappointed to learn of the suspension of Melky Cabrera for violating Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention & Treatment Program. We fully support Major League Baseball’s policy and its efforts to eliminate performance-enhancing drugs from our game. Per the protocol outline by Major League Baseball’s collective bargaining agreement, the Giants will not comment further on this matter.”
Cabrera, who was acquired by the Giants in a trade with the Kansas City Royals during the offseason, currently leads the Majors with 159 hits and holds a .346 batting average with 11 home runs and 60 RBIs out of the three spot in the lineup. Cabrera quickly became a fan favorite in San Francisco and was voted as a starter for the National League All-Star team. He won the game’s MVP in an 8-0 National League win.
Entering Wednesday’s game against the Washington Nationals, the Giants were tied for first place in the West with rival Los Angeles at 64-53.
Cabrera’s suspension is effective immediately.
