Pittsburgh Pirates

Pirates' Marte suspended for 80 games for PED use

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Starling Marte has been suspended after testing positive for performance enhancing drugs.

The suspension is for 80 games, which means Marte won’t be back with the team until mid-July.

The league said Tuesday that Marte tested positive for the steroid Nandrolone.

In a statement, Starle Marte said, "In this very difficult moment I apologize to my family, the Pittsburgh Pirates, my teammates, my fans, and baseball in general. Neglect and lack of knowledge have led me to this mistake with the high price to pay of being away from the field that I enjoy and love so much. With much embarrassment and helplessness, I ask for forgiveness for unintentionally disrespecting so many people who have trusted in my work and have supported me so much. I promise to learn the lesson that this ordeal has left me. God bless you.”

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Pirates president Frank Coonelly said the Pirates fully support MLB’s Joint Drug Agreement, including penalties for violators.

"We are disappointed that Starling put himself, his teammates and the organization in this position," Coonelly wrote. "We will continue to fight for the division title with the men who are here and will look forward to getting Starling back after the All-Star break.”

Marte was an All-Star for the first time in his career in 2016 and moved from left field to center field in the offseason after winning his second Gold Glove.

The 28-year-old is hitting .241 with two home runs and seven RBI this season. The Pirates began Tuesday 6-7 through the first two weeks of the 2017 season.

The Pirates placed Marte on the restricted list.

Channel will have the latest developments on Channel 11 News at 5.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

 

Cox Media Group

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