Reds' Volquez Suspended for 50 Games
Written by Bob Whalon, Tuesday April 20 2010
Cincinnati Reds' pitcher Edinson Volquez has been suspended for 50 games by Major League Baseball for testing positive for a banned fertility substance.
Volquez is currently recovering from reconstructive elbow surgery and isn't expected back with the Reds until late July at the earliest. He can serve the suspension while continuing his rehabilitation at the team's spring training facility in Goodyear, Ariz. "That's the only good thing," Reds pitcher Bronson Arroyo said. "I'm actually surprised they're letting him do that."
Volquez said in a statement that he took a prescription drug in the Dominican Republic as part of a treatment program to start a family with his wife. "As a result I tested positive when I reported to spring training," he said. "Although I understand that I must accept responsibility for this mistake and have chosen not to challenge my suspension, I want to assure everyone that this was an isolated incident involving my genuine effort to treat a common medical issue."
The 26-year old right-hander's suspension starts on Wednesday. He will be eligible to play on June 15. "When he's ready to pitch, he'll be able to pitch," general manager Walt Jocketty said.
MLB and the players' union repeatedly warn the players not to use any substance without guidance from a doctor or trainer who is familiar with the banned list. "The Reds fully support Major League Baseball's drug policy and its penalties," the team said in a statement.
Bob DuPay, baseball's CEO said that Volquez's suspension proves that the league's crackdown on drugs is working. "It's disappointing, but at the same time it underscores the fact that the program is in fact working," DuPay said. "And if players are cheating, they're going to get caught."
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Suspended for 50 games while he was injured. Last year, Ramirez was playing in the minors while he was suspended. Still trying to figure out exactly what is the MLB definition of suspension?