SEATTLE MARINERS

Mariners’ Robinson Cano suspended 80 games for violating drug policy

May 15, 2018, 11:07 AM | Updated: 6:54 pm

Mariners All-Star Robinson Cano has been suspended 80 games. (AP)...

Mariners All-Star Robinson Cano has been suspended 80 games. (AP)

(AP)

Mariners All-Star second baseman Robinson Cano has been suspended 80 games for violating baseball’s joint drug agreement, Major League Baseball announced Tuesday morning.

M’s prepare to move Dee to 2B | Can M’s survive without Cano?

The news was first reported by Dominican journalist Hector Gomez and confirmed through a source by Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports and The Athletic.

Cano’s suspension is for the use of Furosemide, a diuretic, which is seen as a masking agent for performance-enhancing drugs. The suspension is effective immediately and prevents him from playing in the postseason this year if Seattle makes the playoffs. Cano will lose his salary for the 80 games, covering over $11 million, reports MLB Network insider Jon Heyman.

The return date for Cano after his suspension is Aug. 14.

T.J. Quinn of ESPN tweeted that players aren’t automatically suspended if they are found to have used diuretics, and that a suspension comes after MLB was able to prove it was used to mask the use of another drug.

Cano has released a statement through his Twitter account accepting the suspension, though he wrote that he was given the substance by a licensed doctor in the Domincan Republic to treat a medical ailment.

The Mariners have released their own statement:

“We were disappointed to learn today that Robinson had violated the terms Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. Our organization fully supports the Program.

“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. We will support Robinson as he works through this challenge.”

Cano is currently out of action with a broken right pinky, suffered when he was hit by a pitch in a game Sunday in Detroit.

The 35-year-old Cano is hitting .287 with four home runs, 23 RBIs and an .826 OPS in 39 games this season. He came to Seattle prior to the 2014 season on a 10-year, $240 million deal. He is an eight-time All-Star, including in three of his first four seasons with Seattle, and is the reigning All-Star Game MVP.

Cano isn’t the only notable Mariners player to be suspended for violating the MLB drug policy. Nelson Cruz and Dee Gordon have also served suspensions while with previous teams.

Danny O’Neil reacts to news of Robinson Cano’s suspension

Mariners Roof Report

Brought to you by
Rain then Showers And Thunderstorms
High 54° | Low 41°
Roof is open
Red Sox at Mariners today at 7:10pm

Seattle Mariners

Seattle Mariners Mitch Haniger...

Mike Salk

Salk: Scars remain as Mariners return, but hope isn’t far away

As the Seattle Mariners return for 2024, Seattle Sports' Mike Salk writes about seasons, scars, frustration, hope and baseball.

11 hours ago

Seattle Mariners Bryce Miller Logan Gilbert Bryan Woo...

Brandon Gustafson

Dontrelle Willis: Mariners’ rotation provides ‘quality every single day’

Dontrelle Willis, a former MLB pitcher and current analyst for FOX Sports, gives his Seattle Mariners insight ahead of opening day.

14 hours ago

Seattle Mariners commercials Julio Rodríguez...

Brent Stecker

Latest Mariners commercial teams Julio up with a franchise icon

Add a new duo to the list of great pairings in Seattle Mariners commercials, with All-Star outfielder Julio Rodríguez joined by a team icon.

17 hours ago

Seattle Mariners Cal Raleigh...

Shannon Drayer

Why Mariners hitters are embracing new approach to offense

The Seattle Mariners have new players, new coaches and new messaging for their offense. Based on spring training, it's all landing.

18 hours ago

Seattle Mariners Julio Rodriguez...

Brandon Gustafson

Passan: Mariners’ Rodríguez can take game to another level in 2024

The 2024 MLB season can be when we see "the absolute apex" of star Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodríguez, ESPN's Jeff Passan said.

21 hours ago

Seattle Mariners Luis Castillo...

Brent Stecker

Mariners commercials are back, and they’re pretty good

After a four-year absence, Seattle Mariners commercials are back. Watch the first two starring Cal Raleigh and Luis Castillo here.

1 day ago

Mariners’ Robinson Cano suspended 80 games for violating drug policy