Orelvis Martinez gets 80-game PED suspension two days after MLB debut
Blue Jays prospect Orelvis Martinez was slapped with an 80-game suspension Sunday after testing positive for Clomiphene, a banned performance-enhancing substance he claims was prescribed to him by a fertility doctor.
The infielder, who made his major-league debut Friday night after shortstop Bo Bichette was placed on the injured list, said in a statement that he was attempting to start a family with his girlfriend and was prescribed Rejun 50, a medication that includes Clomiphene, after visiting a fertility clinic in the Dominican Republic over the winter.
“We wanted to keep this matter private, even within our family, and trusted the doctor who assured us this treatment did not include performance-enhancing drugs,” Martinez said. “Therefore, I made the mistake of not disclosing this to my team or the MLBPA.
“With that said, I took full responsibility for my negligence and accepted my suspension.”
Toronto GM Ross Atkins also released a statement stating that the Jays “fully support” MLB’s joint drug prevention and treatment program, “and strongly believe in keeping the game on a level playing field.”
“We were both surprised and disappointed to learn of Orelvis Martinez’s suspension,” Atkins added. “We will do everything in our power to ensure Orelvis has learned from this mistake. Orelvis has our support, and we know he will get through this.”
The 22-year-old Martinez was batting .260 with 16 home runs and an .867 OPS in 63 games this season for Triple-A Buffalo.
