Twins Pitcher Ervin Santana Suspended 80 Games for PEDs
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Mike McGinnis/Getty Images(NEW YORK) — Minnesota Twins pitcher Ervin Santana has been suspended for 80 games without pay after testing positive for stanozolol, a performance-enhancing substance, the team announced on Friday.
Santana released a statement through the players’ union and said he did not know how the substance got into his body.
“I preach hard work, and don’t believe in short cuts,” Santana said. “I am very disappointed that I tested positive for a performance enhancing drug. I am frustrated that I can’t pinpoint how the substance in question entered my body. I would never knowingly take anything illegal to enhance my performance.”
Santana was 14-10 with a 3.95 ERA for the Braves last year and signed with Minnesota during the offseason.
“One thing that players know is adversity is a huge part of our game, and this is obviously something that no one really saw coming,” Twins manager Paul Molitor said. “So I just tried to assure them that I believe in the group that we have, and we will deal with it in the best possible way that we possibly can. It doesn’t change how I expect us to compete.”
Santana was scheduled to pitch the second game of the season for Minnesota.
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