The Atlanta Braves’ head coach has been suspended from the club.
NEW YORK (Reuters) – Andrew McKirahan of the Atlanta Braves was suspended for 80 games on Monday after testing positive for a banned substance under Major League Baseball’s drug program.
McKirahan is the fifth major league pitcher to be suspended in the last 25 days for using performance-enhancing drugs. He was cited for Ipamorelin, a growth hormone releaser.
“I am extremely sorry for letting down the Atlanta Braves organization, my coaches, teammates, and the Braves fans,” he said in a statement released by the players’ association. “This in no way reflects my character or morals.” During my suspension, I will work hard and pray that everyone will find it in their hearts to forgive me.”
In three appearances this season, the 25-year-old left-hander has a 4.15 ERA. He was chosen by the Chicago Cubs in the 21st round of the 2011 amateur draft, then by Miami in the winter meeting draft of unprotected players before being claimed off waivers by Atlanta on April 1.
McKirahan will be eligible to return to the Braves in late July. He loses $221,858 of his $507,500 salary, the major league minimum.
Minnesota’s Ervin Santana, the New York Mets’ Jenrry Mejia, Seattle’s David Rollins and Atlanta’s Arodys Vizcaino were suspended for positive tests for Stanozolol, which is sold under the name Winstrol and is popular with body builders.
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