Melky Cabrera was the MVP of the 2012 All-Star game in Kansas City. He was leading the National League in batting average before the All-Star break and is currently only second with a .346 average to Andrew McCutchen’s .359 average.
But now it doesn’t really matter because for the next 50 games Cabrera will not be getting nor will he be allowed to play. He has been suspended after testing positive for testosterone, a performance-enhancing substance.
However, most players who receive this suspension have fought it or denied it. Cabrera owned up to it. This is what he said in a statement issued by the MLB Players’ Association:
My positive test was the result of a substance I should not have used. I accept my suspension under the Joint Drug Program and I will try to move on with my life. I am deeply sorry for my mistake and I apologize to my teammates, to the San Francisco Giants organization and to the fans for letting them down.
This suspension may prove costly to the Giants who are currently tied for first in the NL West with the LA Dodgers. The Giants have 45 regular season games remaining and if they make it to the postseason and play in 5 games – Cabrera will have fulfilled his suspension and can return. Now, we wait and see what happens.