Seattle Mariners: Jesus Montero, 11 others suspended 50 games for PED use
By Evan Webeck
May 1, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Jesus Montero (63) hits a triple against the Baltimore Orioles during the 2nd inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
After months of investigation, Major League Baseball has suspended 12 players 50 games in relation to the Biogenesis investigation. Seattle Mariners catcher Jesus Montero was one of them. He, along with the other 11, will not appeal the suspension.
The Seattle Mariners issued a statement on the matter.
"“The Seattle Mariners are disappointed that Jesus Montero has violated the terms of Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. Our organization fully supports the Program and its efforts to eliminate performance-enhancing substances from our game.”"
Despite there only being 28 games remaining in the Tacoma Rainiers season, where Montero is currently playing, Larry Stone confirmed that because Montero is on the 40-man roster, he’ll be able to serve the entire sentence this season – even with three games to spare.
Ever since Montero was first named in the report, it’s been a long-standing joke that he received a placebo rather than actual performance-enhancing drugs. His numbers don’t dispute the claim. Before being demoted to Tacoma on May 23, Montero was hitting just .208 with three home runs. He was carrying a career-low OPS of .590 at the time. It was only a slightly better .742 in 73 at bats in Tacoma.
Though he’ll be eligible to return for the final three games of the season, it is highly unlikely. Between the Biogenesis scandal and an overall lack of production, there doesn’t seem to be much of an upside of bringing Montero back for such a short time.
In addition to Montero, Major League Baseball suspended Nelson Cruz (Rangers), Jhonny Peralta (Tigers), Everth Cabrera (Padres), Francisco Cervelli (Yankees), Cesar Puello (Mets), Fautino De Los Santos (Padres), Fernando Martinez (Yankees), Jordan Norberto (free agent), Antonio Bastardo (Phillies), Jordany Valdespin (Mets) and Sergio Escalona (Astros).
Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez faces a suspension until the end of the 2014 season, but he will appeal it.