HEADLINE

Indians P Clase handed 80-game PED suspension

Field Level Media

May 01, 2020 at 8:01 pm.

Major League Baseball issued an 80-game suspension to Cleveland Indians right-hander Emmanuel Clase on Friday for using a performance-enhancing drug.

The commissioner’s office said the 22-year-old tested positive for the anabolic steroid Boldenone, a violation of the league’s joint drug prevention and treatment program. He is suspended without pay.

“We were disappointed to learn of today’s suspension of Emmanuel Clase for violating Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program,” the Indians said in a statement. “We fully support Major League Baseball’s policy and its efforts to eliminate performance-enhancing drugs from our game. We have been in contact with Emmanuel, and we will welcome him back after the discipline has been served.

“Per the protocol outlined by Major League Baseball’s Collective Bargaining Agreement, we will not comment further on the circumstances surrounding this announcement.”

The Indians acquired Clase in the December 2019 trade that sent two-time Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber to the Texas Rangers.

Clase appeared in 21 games with one start for the Rangers last season, posting a 2-3 record with a 2.31 ERA, 21 strikeouts and six walks in 23 1/3 innings.