Seattle Mariners’ Tim Beckham Suspended for 80 Games

Major League Baseball (MLB) has been suspended Seattle Mariners’ Tim Beckham for violating the league’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.

Beckham, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2008 amateur draft was suspended for 80 games with immediate effect on Tuesday.

“It’s disappointing when stuff like that happens,” Mariners manager Scott Servais said. “But we go on. The game does not stop. It doesn’t stop for anybody. It creates some opportunities for some guys to get some at-bats out there.”

In a statement released by the MLB Players’ Association, Beckham maintained that he unknowingly took Stanozolol from a trusted source, who told him it was safe and legal to take.

“I was recently notified that I had tested positive for Stanozolol, a prohibited substance under MLB’s Joint Drug Agreement. I was given a product from a trusted source, who had advised me that it was safe to take,” Beckham said.

“Regrettably, the product was tainted. I exercised my rights under the Joint Drug Agreement, and presented my case to an independent arbitrator. While I am disappointed in the result, I respect the ruling and understand my responsibilities under the Joint Drug Agreement.”

The 80-game suspension will carry over into the 2020 season. Beckham will have to serve 48 games this year and the next 32 games the coming year to complete the 80 game ban.

He apologised everyone and said that he was looking forward to resume his career.

“I accept full responsibility for putting myself in this position. I sincerely apologize to the Mariners’ organization, the fans, my teammates, and my family for this mistake. I look forward to resuming my career once my suspension has been served.”

Beckham is the second Mariners player to be suspended for PEDs within the last two years after Robinson Cano was suspended for 80 games last May.

Beckham opened the season as Seattle’s shortstop before settling into a utility role. He has hit 15 home runs in 328 plate appearances, while his overall home run count is 63 home runs in six MLB seasons.