Houston Astros suspend right-handed pitcher Francis Martes for violating drug policy
Houston Astros relief pitcher Francis Martes (58) delivers the pitch in the eighth inning of an MLB game between the Houston Astros and the Arizona Diamondbacks at Minute Maid Park, Thursday, August 17, 2017. Arizona Diamondbacks defeated Houston Ast (Photo by Juan DeLeon/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
HOUSTON - A Houston Astros pitcher has been suspended for more than 150 games for violating the MLB's drug police, the team revealed Monday.
Right-handed pitcher Francis Martes was suspended for 162 games after testing positive for Boldenone, a performance-enhancing substance.
The Houston Astros released the following statement regarding Major League Baseball's suspension of right-handed pitcher Francis Martes:
“Throughout our system, players are educated through MLB’s Drug Prevention and Treatment Programs. It is disappointing when any player is in violation of the policies that are in place. We hope that Francis will learn from this experience moving forward. The Astros continue to fully support Major League Baseball’s Drug Prevention and Treatment Programs.”
Martes' suspension will begin at the start of the 2020 regular season.