Indians’ Almonte Suspended For Drug Use

Abraham Almonte, who the Indians were expecting to compete for a starting spot in the outfield with Michael Brantley recovering from shoulder surgery, was suspended 80 games Friday by Major League Baseball after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance.

Almonte, 26, was suspended for testing positive for Boldenone, according to a release from MLB. The Indians earlier Friday announced the signing of Will Venable, who will now join the competition for playing time in the Indians’ outfield.

Almonte was acquired from the Padres at the trade deadline last July 31 for lefthanded reliever Marc Rzepczynski. Almonte was given regular playing time in Cleveland and performed well (.264/.321/.455) with five homers and six steals. Venable, coincidentally, also played for the Padres before being traded to Texas in August.

“We were disappointed to learn of the suspension of Abraham Almonte for violating Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program,” the Indians said in a statement. “We fully support Major League Baseball’s policy and its efforts to eliminate performance-enhancing drugs from our game. Per the protocol outlined by Major League Baseball’s Collective Bargaining Agreement, we will not comment further on the circumstances surrounding this announcement.”