Sep 6, 2019; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Michael Pineda (35) delivers a pitch against the Cleveland Indians in the fifth inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: David Berding-USA TODAY Sports
September 7, 2019
Minnesota Twins right-hander Michael Pineda received a 60-game suspension without pay for violating the league’s drug policy, Major League Baseball announced Saturday.
Per The Office of the Commissioner of Baseball, Pineda tested positive for Hydrochlorothiazide, which is a violation of the league’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.
The 60-game suspension is effective immediately for Pineda, who will miss remainder of the season and is not eligible for postseason play.
“We were disappointed to learn of the suspension of Michael Pineda for violating Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program,” the Twins said in a statement. “We fully support Major League Baseball’s policy and its efforts to eliminate banned substances from our game. Per the protocol outlined in the Joint Drug Program, the Minnesota Twins will not comment further on this matter.”
Pineda sports an 11-5 record with a 4.01 ERA in 26 starts this season.
The 30-year-old struck out a season-high 10 batters over six innings of a no-decision against Cleveland on Friday.
Pineda owns a 51-46 career mark with a 4.04 ERA in 143 starts with the Seattle Mariners (2011), New York Yankees (2014-17) and Twins (2019).
— Field Level Media
