Mariners' Cano suspended 80 games; admits taking prescribed diuretic
One of the biggest stars in Major League Baseball has been suspended for violating the league's joint drug prevention and treatment program.
Seattle Mariners All-Star second baseman Robinson Cano was issued an 80-game ban Tuesday after testing positive for Furosemide, a diuretic, which can be used as a masking agent, according to Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe.
"Recently I learned that I tested positive for a substance called Furosemide, which is not a performance-enhancing substance," Cano said in a statement. "Furosemide is used to treat various medical conditions in the United State and the Dominican Republic. This substance was given to me by a licensed doctor in the Dominican Republic to treat a medical ailment. While I did not realize at the time that I was given a medication that was banned, I obviously now wish that I had been more careful.
"For more than 15 years, playing professional baseball has been the greatest honor and privilege of my life. I would never do anything to cheat the rules of the game that I love, and after undergoing dozens of drug tests over more than a decade, I have never tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance for the simple reason that I have never taken one.
"Today I decided to accept MLB's suspension. This is the most difficult decision I have ever made in my life, but ultimately the right decision given that I do not dispute that I was given this substance. I apologize to my family, friends, fans, teammates, and the Mariners organization."
Cano is currently on the 10-day disabled list with a fractured right hand after he was hit by a pitch. The suspension can be served while he's injured, but he will not be eligible to play in the postseason should Seattle qualify. The Mariners currently sit 1 1/2 games back in the American League West division.
"Robinson made a mistake. He has explained to us what happened, accepted the punishment, and has apologized to the fans, the organization, and his teammates," the Mariners said in a statement. "We will support Robinson as he works through this challenge."
The 35-year-old Cano signed a 10-year, $240-million contract in 2013, and his unpaid suspension will cost him nearly $12 million.
An eight-time All-Star, five-time Silver Slugger, and two-time Gold Glove winner, Cano is one of the most decorated second basemen in the majors.