Padres fans everywhere are probably a bit bitter this season. Many came into this season with high hopes for this team but have been let down. Hard. So far, they sport a 43-56 record, have already fired Josh Byrnes from the General Manager position, Nick Hundley, Huston Street and Chase Headley have been traded, and it’s only been just over a week since the All-Star Break. And it seems to be getting worse in sunny San Diego.
Today, Major League Baseball dished out the first suspension for performance-enhancing drug use this season to outfielder Cameron Maybin for testing positive for amphetamines.
“Our club fully supports Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. Cameron has accepted full responsibility for his violation and apologized to his teammates and coaches. We are all looking forward to his return.” Manager Bud Black said in a statement.
Now, let’s not get too quick on the trigger, folks. Many don’t know Maybin too well and his statement tells all.
“I have been undergoing treatment for several years for a medical condition, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), for which I previously had a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE). Unfortunately, in my attempts to switch back to a medicine that had been previously ok’d, I neglected to follow all the rules and as a result I tested positive. I want to assure everyone that this was a genuine effort to treat my condition and I was not trying in any way to gain an advantage in my baseball career. I understand that I must accept responsibility for this mistake and I will take my punishment and will not challenge my suspension. I apologize to my family, friends, fans, teammates, and the entire Padres organization. I look forward to returning to the field and contributing to the success of my Club.”
In 62 games, Maybin has been batting .247, with a .286 OBP. Maybe, just maybe, these numbers will improve once he comes back and is able to take the proper medication. That and remember to take the proper steps to avoid such a suspension. So, it’s not too bad, Friars. It can always be worse!
Maybin’s suspension is effective immediately and will be eligible to return on August 20th vs the Dodgers.
Photo Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports