Mariners prospect Boog Powell suspended 80 games after positive PED test
Jun 23, 2016, 4:43 PM | Updated: 5:29 pm
The Mariners acquired outfield prospect Boog Powell in an offseason trade with Tampa Bay. (AP)
(AP)
Mariners outfield prospect Boog Powell has been suspended 80 games after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance.
MLB announced the suspension Thursday, saying Powell tested positive for dehydrochlormethyltestosterone, which is banned under the league’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.
Powell is suspended without pay and effective immediately. He released a statement saying that he doesn’t know how the substance entered his body.
Powell, 23, came to the Mariners over the offseason as part of the six-player trade with Tampa Bay. He’s hit .270/.326/.359 with three home runs, 27 RBIs and 10 stolen bases in 64 games this season with Triple-A Tacoma. In January, Baseball America ranked Powell the No. 9 prospect in the Mariners organization.
Powell was previously suspended for 50 games in 2014, when he was in the Athletics organization and tested positive for an amphetamine.
Powell’s statement on his latest suspension, via Greg Johns of MLB.com:
“I am extremely disappointed to announce that today I have accepted a penalty under MLB’s Joint Drug Treatment and Prevention Program. While I realize this has become a common refrain among athletes faced with such discipline, the truth is I do not know how this substance could possibly have been in my system. I can only say that this is not a reflection of my true character, and those who know me understand the deep respect I have for my fellow competitors and teammates. I would never betray that by attempting to gain an improper advantage.
“I have already taken proactive steps to look into this situation, and will not rest until there is a full explanation for this result which will vindicate me. Until that happens, however, I realize that accountability rests solely with me on this matter. I am responsible for everything I put in my body, and part of that responsibility means dealing with the consequences regardless of the explanation. I would like to apologize to my family, friends, the Seattle Mariners organization and its fans for this situation, and I will work to rebuild trust with each of you through my words and actions moving forward. I promise you, I will find a solution to all of this.”
