Robinson Cano was suspended by MLB on Tuesday after testing positive in a drug test. The 35-year-old second baseman tested positive for furosemide, a diuretic used to hide the use of other forbidden substances. The Dominican born ballplayer has accepted the suspension. Take a look at what both the MLB and the former Yankee said in regards to this issue.
The Accused
Cano said to be unaware of testing positive for furosemide in a statement released that same Tuesday by the MLBPA. The infielder also highlighted the fact that he has never failed a drug test in over 15 years of playing in the Major Leagues.
He also stated that the diuretics were provided by a certified doctor at the Dominican Republic and that he will not appeal the suspension.
The Accusers
Why has MLB suspended a player for using diuretics? you might wonder. While furosemide is not a PED, it is used to mask other banned substances. The investigation revealed that Cano did intend to hide a some sort of performance enhancing drug. Therefore, Major League Baseball proceeded with the 80 game suspension. The commissioner’s office has not yet revealed what the masked substance in question. Regardless of what the player might or might not say, mistake or not, he leaves a big hole in the Seattle Mariners roster.
What About The Mariners?
Not only was Cano already sidelined with a broken wrist since last Sunday, he will now miss almost half a season of baseball.
The Mariners have been a highly competitive team so far in the season. They currently sit third in a very tight AL West division, just a game and a half behind the Houston Astros. Seattle certainly looks like an early postseason contender. However, not having their starting second baseman on board could hinder their postseason goal. Losing Cano will come with a fair amount of complications.
For starters, the Mariners will need a replacement at second base. This could prove problematic for the Mariners as Gordon Beckham will take over starting duties at the second bag. Expect a minor league call up as Andrew Romine will be busy covering the entire outfield from time to time.
There is also a need for power. If Seattle wants to go head-to-head with Houston for the top of the division, a hitter like Cano could prove useful to counter players like Carlos Correa or Jose Altuve. While he is eligible for return on August 15th, his production will be unavailable during the decisive months of the regular season.
More importantly, like any other suspended player, he will not be eligible to play during the postseason. He has plenty of experience during the playoffs as he was part of the Word Champions 2009 New York Yankees. If the Mariners do reach postseason they will lack a very powerful weapon during the final stage of the season.
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