Indians’ Byrd Suspended For 162 Games For PED Use

Marlon Byrd, suspended for 50 games in June 2012 after testing positive for Tamoxifen, was hit with a 162-game suspension Wednesday after testing positive for growth hormone secretagogue Ipamorelin, Major League Baseball announced.

In a statement, Byrd, 38, said he would not appeal the suspension.

“Today, I have accepted a (one-year) suspension by Major League Baseball. Recently, I was notified that I had tested positive for Ipamorelin, a peptide prohibited by the (Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program). In 2012, I tested positive for the medication Tamoxifen, which I was using on the advice of a physician for a medical condition resulting from surgery, and I accepted my suspension without challenge. Since that time, I have paid close attention to the substances that are banned by the Joint Drug Agreement, as I had no intention of taking any banned substances. I relied upon a medical professional for assistance and advice with respect to the supplements that I was taking. However, certain supplements I was taking were not on the NSF Certified for Sport list, and therefore, I assumed certain risks in taking them. When I learned that I had tested positive for Ipamorelin, I retained the services of private counsel and an independent chemist to determine the origin of the Ipamorelin test result because I never knowingly ingested Ipamorelin. After an extensive investigation by my lawyers and an independent chemist, it was concluded that the most likely source of Ipamorelin was a tainted supplement. I alone am responsible for what I put in my body, and therefore, I have decided for forgo my right to an appeal in this matter and accept the suspension. I apologize for any harm this has caused the Cleveland Indians, Indians’ fans, my teammates, and most importantly, my family.”

Byrd signed a minor league deal in March after center fielder Abraham Almonte, coincidentally, was suspended for using PEDs, and because Michael Brantley was recovering from shoulder surgery. Byrd slashed .270/.326/.452 with five homers in 34 games. He’s a career .275/.329/.430 hitter with 159 home runs.