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Ramon Laureano Suspended Eighty Games After Positive PED Test

By Anthony Franco | August 6, 2021 at 10:59pm CDT

Major League Baseball announced this afternoon that Athletics outfielder Ramón Laureano has been suspended for eighty games without pay after testing positive for Nandrolone, a banned performance-enhancing substance. He’ll miss the remainder of the season. The A’s have 53 games left in 2021, so Laureano’s suspension will carry over for the first 27 games of the 2022 campaign as well — minus any 2021 playoff games Oakland participates in, which are included as games served for suspension purposes.

Laureano released a statement via the MLB Players Association:

“I would never knowingly ingest any banned substance and put the game that I’ve loved all my life at risk. When I found out that I tested positive for Nandrolone, I was shocked. I take great care of my body and have an extremely regimented diet. Based on the minuscule amount that was briefly in my body, I’ve learned that it is likely that it was contamination of something I ingested. … I’d like to apologize for the distraction that this might cause my teammates, Billy Beane, David Forst, and the entire Oakland organization, community, and fan base. I am devastated. Anyone who truly knows me as a person knows how much I love the game and that I would never intentionally do something like this.”

It’s a devastating blow for the A’s, who trail the Astros by four games in the AL West. Oakland currently holds a 1.5 game lead over the Yankees for the American League’s final playoff spot, with the Blue Jays and Mariners also nipping at their heels. The A’s will need to hold onto their position in the standings (and make a potential postseason push) without one of their top players.

Laureano has been an average or better hitter in all four of his big league seasons. The 27-year-old has a quality .246/.317/.443 line (114 wRC+) across 378 plate appearances this season. Oakland’s starting center fielder all year, he’d recently kicked over to right field to accommodate trade deadline acquisition Starling Marte.

The A’s acquiring Marte from the Marlins looms particularly large now. (It’s not clear whether the Oakland front office was aware of Laureano’s positive test at the time, although today’s suspension announcement presumably comes after Laureano had exhausted the appeals process). Marte will continue to get everyday run in center, but the corner outfield is now a major question mark.

The A’s have given a decent amount of corner outfield playing time to each of Mark Canha, Seth Brown, Stephen Piscotty, Tony Kemp and Chad Pinder (currently on the injured list with a hamstring strain) this season. Canha will have one corner outfield spot locked down on a nightly basis, but it seems Oakland will have to mix and match in the other spot — as they had to do before acquiring Marte in the first place. Utilityman Josh Harrison is getting the start in left field (with Canha in right) this evening against the Rangers.

The timing of the suspension seems as if it could carry significant repercussions for Laureano as well. Players who violate the MLB – MLBPA Joint Drug Agreement are placed on the restricted list and do not receive MLB service time for the duration of their suspension. Laureano entered the season with 2.059 years of big league service. Before today’s suspension, he accrued an estimated 128 days of MLB service in 2021, pushing his career total to approximately 3.015 presently.

That’ll be more than enough for Laureano to reach arbitration as scheduled this winter, but he also won’t receive service time while he serves the remainder of the ban next season. Under the A’s 2022 schedule, Laureano would be eligible to return to the roster for Oakland’s April 30 game against the Guardians. Assuming he remains on the roster for the rest of the season (which runs through October 2), he’d tally 156 days of service.

By that estimate, he’d conclude the season at 3.171 years of MLB service, one day shy of the 3.172 threshold required to push him over four full seasons. In that scenario, Laureano’s path to free agency would be delayed by an entire year, as he’d be eligible for arbitration four times and wouldn’t reach the open market until after the 2025 season — instead of after the 2024 campaign as had been the expectation prior to today.

It’s worth noting that those estimates are unofficial, and there’s also the matter of the postseason to consider. If the A’s make a deep playoff run this year, that’d allow Laureano to return earlier than April 30, 2022. In that case, he’d be in position to accrue enough service time to surpass the four-year threshold next season, keeping him on pace for free agency during the 2024-25 offseason.

It’s a unique scenario that could have significant ramifications for Laureano and the A’s at some point down the road. In the nearer term, the bigger focus for the organization will be on continuing to hold onto a postseason spot without one of their best position players.

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Newsstand Oakland Athletics Ramon Laureano

COVID Notes: Brewers, Diamondbacks, Protocols
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210 Comments

  1. ellisd19830

    4 years ago

    Sure it was an accident!

    25
    Reply
    • Bochys Retirement Fund

      4 years ago

      Nandrolone is pretty common in terms of anabolics found in OTC supplements. The FDA doesn’t do an entirely great job regulating OTC sports oriented products. They have gone as far as making statements as saying “don’t take the bodybuilding supplements because it could damage your liver!”, Which is a weird way of indirectly saying they might have legit traces of AAS’ in those products.

      Either way only Ramon and his inner circle will know if it was intentional or not. Big loss for the A’s

      15
      Reply
      • Geno55

        4 years ago

        Sure glad it wasn’t an Angel player you guys would be like Flys on s**t

        5
        Reply
        • Curly Was The Smart Stooge

          4 years ago

          With all the money these athletes make, hire a nutritionist to guide you & back you up legally.

          9
          Reply
        • ldoggnation

          4 years ago

          There are 24/7 phone numbers for these guys to call. It’s probably on their phones. They can use it when they question any OTC medicine, remedies, hell, facial tissues with lotion!
          This is getting sad and tiresome. Fxxxw off Ramon.

          6
          Reply
        • jakethesnizake

          4 years ago

          Great point, Curly. These guys need to take more responsibility for what they put in their bodies. Tired of the “I didn’t knowingly take it” excuse. Even if that’s true, they’re still accountable for what they put in their body. Glad to see he’s paying the price for that error in judgment.

          7
          Reply
        • ChapmansVacuum

          4 years ago

          He didnt test positive for something that he accidentally ingested which is what that number is for. He is saying that a supplement he purchased was tainted with this substance off label. He said he had trace amounts that are in line with that, but who knows.

          Reply
        • Daynlokki

          4 years ago

          He literally said it was something he ingested. Based on the type of steroid it could possibly be from tainted meat. I havent seen exactly the rate it was in his body to comment more.

          1
          Reply
        • Chipsss

          4 years ago

          Absolutely, but they still need to say that instead of “yep I took it and got caught”

          2
          Reply
        • WtfMate

          4 years ago

          Bang bang

          1
          Reply
        • JOHNSmith2778

          4 years ago

          I get all my legal advice from my nutritionist.

          2
          Reply
        • Fever Pitch Guy

          4 years ago

          Jake I think you’re being overly critical of Ramon without understanding what it’s like growing up in Santo Domingo where la buena mentira is the law of the land. He did what he had to do, just as anybody in his shoes would have.

          1
          Reply
        • tesseract

          4 years ago

          They don’t even have to hire anybody just take supplements approved by NSF which tracks for illegal substances.

          Reply
      • bigguccisosa300

        4 years ago

        I’m not an expert, but anything that has “andro” in its name should probably raise a red flag as an athlete lmao

        2
        Reply
      • itsgonnahappen

        4 years ago

        Hey, well put! The FDA needs to heavily regulate these supplements. Players of all professions should be able to go to GNC and pick up a random supplement and ingest it without failing a drug test. Or at the very least, detail what’s at risk if you do take that supplement. Big warning:Contains Blah Blah Blah! Do not consume if you’re tested by the NFL, MLB, NBA, MLS, ETC….

        1
        Reply
        • ChapmansVacuum

          4 years ago

          sometimes things that are used as masking agents to conceal steroids are included in supplements. The chemical name may be used on the label, and may be different from the drug name on the banned list. This is what the number is for to call. Now Montas got busted a few years ago for a masking agent not a steroid.

          Laureano got busted for a steroid which can end up in tainted batch of nutrients that it is not supposed to be in. He is claiming in the statement that the very small levels he tested for must have been from contamination. Now MLB is notoriously unwilling to ever believe these stories on appeal and have upheld every one of the suspensions other than Braun, and that was because of questions about the chain of custody of the sample before testing he was able to raise.

          No idea if he is telling the truth or not. If you look at Ladder the LeBron supplement they are working with a certification company because protein powder ends up with heavy medals in it and stuff. Supplements quality control in the USA is utter shiet, and they are able to claim all kinds of unproven benefits. Look at all the miracle stuff thats a fad until some study proves it does nothing.

          1
          Reply
        • StPeteStingRays

          4 years ago

          Gold, silver, or bronze medals?

          1
          Reply
        • tesseract

          4 years ago

          There is a certification called NSF that approved which supplements are safe for baseball players. All he had to do is stick to these supplements or call NSF.

          Reply
    • For Love of the Game

      4 years ago

      Isn’t it nice the MLBPA developed a fill-in-the-blank template explanation and apology? I feel like I keep reading the same release with a different player, team name, and manager, GM, or owner to apologize to.

      45
      Reply
      • blueboy714

        4 years ago

        exactly what I thought

        5
        Reply
        • ChapmansVacuum

          4 years ago

          How ironic would it be if they really were mostly innocent the last 5 years and the junk supplement industry was just burning them?

          Reply
        • semut

          4 years ago

          lol no one is forcing these multimillionaires to take “junk suppliments”

          Reply
      • jakethesnizake

        4 years ago

        Totally…such a tired response.

        3
        Reply
      • Cubsforever22

        4 years ago

        Lmao, that first sentence especially! Copy and paste lol.

        1
        Reply
    • dennis63480

      4 years ago

      .246 with 14 hrs and 39 rbis. I don’t understand how this is a major blow.

      3
      Reply
      • Philly A's

        4 years ago

        Because now the A’s have to use Piscotty or Brown in RF and they are batting .200 with 14 hrs.

        7
        Reply
        • iverbure

          4 years ago

          I can’t believe how many buffoons on this site actually believe these guys are taking these substances on purpose. Most of you on here if you eat meat from the United States would probably pop randomly.

          6
          Reply
        • jjd002

          4 years ago

          And I can’t believe people believe these players “have no idea how I tested positive.”

          18
          Reply
        • zacharydmanprin

          4 years ago

          Seth Brown is back in Las Vegas. More than likely the A’s will call up (Yeesh) Skye Bolt to back up Marte in CF. Canha can play CF but with his hip injuries it’s not a good idea to tempt fate.

          Reply
        • reflect

          4 years ago

          Then why aren’t they all testing positive? Illuminati?

          3
          Reply
        • LostInTraslation

          4 years ago

          I agree but if you’re making 6 to 8 figures, you can buy organic meat

          Reply
        • Orichalcon

          4 years ago

          you’re the baffoon, mate

          no, there is not any anabolic steroids added to U.S. meat products, and even though some growth hormones may have been given to the animal – its not HUMAN growth hormone…

          the players testing positive are the players purposefully taking steroids to get the competitive edge, and in this case its a Dominican player which says to anyone with a little common sense that this was no accidental ingestion

          2
          Reply
        • tesseract

          4 years ago

          It was from a supplement not food.

          Reply
      • Audrey

        4 years ago

        @dennis, maybe learn more than 3 (nearly useless) stats and you’ll understand why

        4
        Reply
        • dennis63480

          4 years ago

          You say nearly useless but they are still being used. A batting average still tells you if they’re getting hits or getting outs. The question is….do you want a batter whose getting on base or a batter who’s not. Too simple.

          1
          Reply
        • Mystery Team

          4 years ago

          Those stats are not useless not even close. Please get a hold of yourself. You’re probably one of these people who loves the exit velocity nonsense they keep trying to shove down our throats or even worse WAR the ultimate useless stat consisting of nothing but ifs and maybes.

          3
          Reply
        • Ted

          4 years ago

          Because fans like you cannot understand that traditional statistics only tell you what happened in the past, often based on externalities the player cannot control. Advanced analytics tell you what should happen in the future based on things the player actually controls (barrels, exit velo, chase rate, etc).

          You’d be insane to build a lineup based on high RBI guys or a pitching rotation based on W.

          2
          Reply
        • Buzz Saw

          4 years ago

          Uh….ever hear of defense? I think there is a stat or two for that but fact check me first

          1
          Reply
        • dennis63480

          4 years ago

          What good is exit velo if it doesn’t fall for a hit? Do I base my team on high exit velo if the ball is caught the majority of the time?

          Reply
  2. Rsox

    4 years ago

    Big blow for the A’s. Good thing they traded for Marte

    7
    Reply
    • downsr30

      4 years ago

      Maybe it’s the reason they traded for Marte. Typically teams know about the positive ahead of time especially if the player is appealing.

      20
      Reply
      • YankeesBleacherCreature

        4 years ago

        You seem to have “firsthand ” knowledge of the situation.

        6
        Reply
        • DODGER JR

          4 years ago

          I see the Yankee fans are back out in public now that they are beating the mighty Marlins and Orioles. Now they get the Royals next week. At this rate they will win the AL East playing the heavyweights of baseball.

          4
          Reply
        • riffraff

          4 years ago

          As a rule I do not care much for Yankee fans – despite being a lifelong NY resident ( hate mets as well) – but this comment made my day. You’re alright – world needs more yankee fans like you ( and Ducky whom I have much respect for even though we have never chatted lol). Just for tonight..GO YANKS.

          4
          Reply
        • Daynlokki

          4 years ago

          It’s common knowledge. These types of suspensions don’t come out usually until all appeals have been heard. If that’s the case here, As knew before the deadline.

          Reply
        • reflect

          4 years ago

          He’s right though. The team usually knows weeks in advance because the CBA requires that MLB must keep the test result a secret until all appeals are heard (or waived).

          Reply
        • YankeesBleacherCreature

          4 years ago

          I was kidding, guys. I made the comment in reference to an earlier Kershaw post. @Riffraff was all over the dude who pretends to have godly insights.

          Reply
        • bigguccisosa300

          4 years ago

          @riffraff get a room bud

          Reply
        • Mystery Team

          4 years ago

          Oh the Dodgers don’t play any weak teams throughout the season? Come on man be better than that silly comment what are you 10 years old?

          Reply
      • kiwimlbfan

        4 years ago

        Exactly mate. First you get informed of a non-negative (I.e. positive) result and your club is informed. You then get the choice of accepting that or having the B sample tested. Once the B sample is back and non-negative you can then accept, go for a hearing or make submissions to reduce the penalty. They will have known about this at least 3 weeks ago.

        2
        Reply
      • bucsfan0004

        4 years ago

        The A’s likely knew for at least a couple weeks. The Marte trade makes so much sense now.

        1
        Reply
    • dodgerskingsfan

      4 years ago

      Josh Reddick anyone??? He’s on the move… Pick him up cheap ???

      4
      Reply
      • zacharydmanprin

        4 years ago

        Yah, the A’s can pick up Reddick on the cheap…because nobody else wants to pay him to play for their team. -0.5 WAR on the season for a 34 year old never-was.

        1
        Reply
        • Buzz Saw

          4 years ago

          Ouch

          Reply
      • fredziffel78

        4 years ago

        Trash cans required

        2
        Reply
        • WtfMate

          4 years ago

          Bang bang

          1
          Reply
  3. downsr30

    4 years ago

    Wow. This is a massive loss for the A’s.. and pathetic of Laureano – I wish it was a lifetime ban. He’ll claim it was some burrito or GNC supplement.

    4
    Reply
    • ioh2710

      4 years ago

      It probably was.

      4
      Reply
    • firegibby

      4 years ago

      Gnc doesn’t have any good supplements today.

      Reply
      • washington_bonercats

        4 years ago

        Or burritos

        13
        Reply
    • 2012orioles

      4 years ago

      Only thing with a lifetime ban is the potential for teams to do some messed up stuff to try and get players to test positive to get out of overpaid players’ contracts. I’d be against it and would guess the players association would never agree to it for that reason. Plus there has to be a couple of players who unknowingly took something. I know they all say it but imagine getting banned for something you legitimately didn’t know was illegal? Just my thoughts

      1
      Reply
      • downsr30

        4 years ago

        I’d be ok with the Cubs framing Heyward with 3 back to back PED offenses.

        1
        Reply
        • Curly Was The Smart Stooge

          4 years ago

          Huh?

          Reply
        • baseballguy_128

          4 years ago

          I am complete lost on we’re this thread went

          Reply
        • WtfMate

          4 years ago

          Bang bang

          Reply
      • adamontheshore

        4 years ago

        Ignorantia juris non excusat. With that said, there have to be a few poor saps who unknowingly took a banned substance, either through ignorance or taking something laced. Sadly, since basically, every player says the same thing those guys are viewed as cheaters and liars.

        1
        Reply
    • dimitriinla

      4 years ago

      No more excuses for these guys. The protocols—and therefore the athletes’ responsibilities—are quite clear. And to all famous people losing face: please drop the nasty, self-serving practice of “statements.” It only drops your credibility another notch.

      2
      Reply
  4. jdgoat

    4 years ago

    Didn’t this guy try to clown the Astros some time in the past couple of years or am I thinking of someone else? What a hypocrite if it was him lol that’s embarrassing.

    6
    Reply
    • 86mets

      4 years ago

      I believe it was him. As they say about people who live in glass houses……

      3
      Reply
      • hd-electraglide

        4 years ago

        Yes it was him.

        1
        Reply
    • Bart

      4 years ago

      Anyone with an IQ above 10 clown the A@@holes for being the Richard Nixon of baseball.

      1
      Reply
      • Colt 45

        4 years ago

        “Anyone with an IQ above 10 clown the A@@holes for being the Richard Nixon of baseball.”

        We’ve got a serious subject/verb agreement problem here – need a cleanup on the diaper aisle.

        12
        Reply
        • Bart

          4 years ago

          I gotta love sociopath Astros fans.

          2
          Reply
        • Colt 45

          4 years ago

          Again, Bart, with the poor writing – you are using the adjectival there, so it should be *sociopathIC*

          3
          Reply
        • Colt 45

          4 years ago

          well, you’re the one who brought IQ into it – you don’t appear to have attained the low bar you set in your original post.

          3
          Reply
        • Bart

          4 years ago

          Ahh the ole grammar natsi ploy. It always bounces back on the user.

          2
          Reply
        • Colt 45

          4 years ago

          two, to, too, also, well, you’re the one who brought IQ into it – you don’t appear to have attained the low bar you set in your original post.

          Reply
        • Bart

          4 years ago

          According to Fangraphs Astros fans have the lowest IQ in baseball. I must speak to you in langauge you will understand.

          1
          Reply
        • prov356

          4 years ago

          Grammar counts. It’s a reflection of the person speaking.

          5
          Reply
        • fivendime

          4 years ago

          If only the word clown could be a verb. Oh wait.

          Reply
        • hd-electraglide

          4 years ago

          Mr Bay Area Rapid Transit (Bart), my question to you is this. When/if he returns to the game will you boo him mercilessly like you do other cheaters?

          Reply
        • Bart

          4 years ago

          Its also racist and classist. Grammar rules on the internet are not the same as formal writting.

          Reply
        • Colt 45

          4 years ago

          LOL! Keep digging bro’!

          i’m not owned he said something something corncob

          2
          Reply
        • Colt 45

          4 years ago

          “Its also racist and classist.”

          2
          Reply
        • Bart

          4 years ago

          Its Oakland. Its not Dodger Stadium but one boos at ones own peril.

          Reply
        • Bart

          4 years ago

          I love it when people think they are clever but dont understand how obnoxious they are.

          Reply
        • DarkSide830

          4 years ago

          you called a whole fanbase “sociopaths?” pot meet kettle.

          2
          Reply
        • Colt 45

          4 years ago

          He *clowns*
          They “clown”

          “Indefinite pronouns that end in -one are always singular. These words include anyone, everyone, someone, and one. Indefinite pronouns that end in -body are always singular. These words include anybody, somebody, nobody.”

          whiffing like a Yankee slugger there, fiveanddime

          2
          Reply
        • goastros123

          4 years ago

          So you love yourself, Bart?

          Reply
        • prov356

          4 years ago

          Ok Bart, I have to ask. How is using correct grammar racist?

          Reply
        • prov356

          4 years ago

          “Grammar rules on the internet are not the same as formal writting.”

          Bart – Rules don’t change based on your audience or the forum you’re using. When you compartmentalize, you are inconsistent and unreliable.

          3
          Reply
        • Chipsss

          4 years ago

          I’m guessing Bart is going to say something along the lines of “people might type the way that they talk amongst friends and people who grow up in neighborhoods/environments where slang or mixed language is used might not speak in perfect grammatical English”

          Honestly I kind of get it, although I hate when people just throw out the “you’re being racist” card for all manner of soft racism that exists almost everywhere. I also don’t ever try to correct grammar online though. Even though I grew up speaking and learning proper English, I certainly don’t care how someone says something if I can still understand it.

          1
          Reply
      • Monkey’s Uncle

        4 years ago

        Bart, did you have a stroke while you were typing that?

        8
        Reply
      • gofish 2

        4 years ago

        Don’t have a cow, man.

        2
        Reply
        • hd-electraglide

          4 years ago

          Maybe he wants to follow in Canseco’s footsteps, and try his luck in the ring, (boxing).

          Reply
        • Curly Was The Smart Stooge

          4 years ago

          Ever wonder why its called a boxing ring, yet its square?

          1
          Reply
      • Redstitch108* 2

        4 years ago

        Nixon was a great president. Unlike the current clown.

        5
        Reply
        • prov356

          4 years ago

          Watergate would be laughed at today compared to what is going on in the government now.

          2
          Reply
        • Yankee Clipper

          4 years ago

          Prov356: I hope all is going well with you in TN. You are certainly bringing up logical, well-articulated points and I agree.

          1
          Reply
        • prov356

          4 years ago

          Hey Clipper! How are things? All good here. Today is that dreaded day of the college drop off. Sucks when she’s gone. Hope you’re having a great summer.

          1
          Reply
        • retire21

          4 years ago

          It’s incredibly sad that many people think that Watergate is the worst thing Nixon did.

          Reply
        • prov356

          4 years ago

          21 – Watergate is mild compared to today’s political shenanigans. I’m no Nixon expert so what are some worse things he did?

          Reply
    • ou812jay8

      4 years ago

      Probably Roid rage. LOL.

      1
      Reply
    • Hannahan

      4 years ago

      He got hit multiple times during a series with the Astros and he said something to the pitcher and then Alex Cintron said something to Laureano which caused him to charge the dugout. It had nothing to do with the Astros cheating.

      Reply
    • Yankee Clipper

      4 years ago

      Let’s be totally fair – he cheated, which is still very different and far less consequential than the entire Astros organization implementing a systematic cheating scheme to win a WS.

      Nonetheless, he still appears to have cheated. Nandrolone in meat (as cited above)? Many more tests would come up positive. I don’t think the evidence supports that type of accidental ingestion or it would be virtually impossible to prosecute league-wide. He’s getting performance enhancement from it, which is why he’s suspended for 80.

      1
      Reply
      • jdgoat

        4 years ago

        Don’t forget the reason why sign stealing rules had to be implemented in the first place…

        3
        Reply
        • Yankee Clipper

          4 years ago

          Because Mark McGuire turned into Andro-man?

          Reply
    • puhl

      4 years ago

      I’ll bet Fiers dropped a dime on him.

      1
      Reply
  5. jz2016cubs

    4 years ago

    WOW

    Reply
  6. davidk1979

    4 years ago

    That hurts they gotta play Piscotty again

    Reply
  7. findingnimmo

    4 years ago

    “I apologize to the fans my family and the organization. I never knowingly took a ped and I am going to review all the supplements and medications I have been taking to make sure this mistake never happens again”

    7
    Reply
  8. jjd002

    4 years ago

    And Mike Fiers strikes again

    1
    Reply
  9. Philly A's

    4 years ago

    Guess this means Khris Davis gets called up…

    Reply
    • Chev Chelios

      4 years ago

      Watch Khrush go HAM

      Reply
      • SodoMojo90

        4 years ago

        Lol he’s toast

        Reply
        • findingnimmo

          4 years ago

          That’s cheesy

          Reply
  10. Gumby82

    4 years ago

    You’ve got to be kidding me. First Montas last year, now Laureano. BS Organization from top to bottom. Paying Semien 18 million for one year is something every owner in any major sport should do without hesitation. Especially with nobody else in the organization ready to take over. A’s fan since 1982. I’m on the deck of the Titanic with these bums.

    Reply
  11. BrewersMVP08

    4 years ago

    Did Mike Fiers rat on him?

    8
    Reply
    • ❤️ MuteButton

      4 years ago

      Oh my

      Reply
    • WtfMate

      4 years ago

      I see what you did here

      Reply
  12. jwr0223

    4 years ago

    I think there is one statement that they all put out when caught. It practically reads word for word each time.

    2
    Reply
  13. Joel Peterson

    4 years ago

    People seem to be a little to quick to vilify this guy. Lot of gray area here.

    3
    Reply
    • pjmcnu

      4 years ago

      Lotta PED taking going on here (and transparent lying). I wonder if agents keep a draft form apology around for situations like this.

      “I’m shocked SHOCKED I tested positive. It must have been contaminated Wheaties. I’ll investigate every day until I’m back. I’d like to apologize to [person], [team], and [other relevant parties]. You’re the only ones who might believe this and for that I’m grateful.

      Love,
      [client]

      3
      Reply
      • hd-electraglide

        4 years ago

        I like that.. well constructed.

        Reply
      • Joel Peterson

        4 years ago

        Yeah maybe. Or maybe he took something something by accident. You don’t know. I don’t know.

        3
        Reply
    • marcfrombrooklyn

      4 years ago

      it would not surprise me if he was knowingly taking prohibited substances. It also would not surprise me if he tested positive because of a contaminated protein shake, vitamin, or supplement he consumed at [NATIONAL GYM/VITAMIN STORE/PHARMACY CHAIN THAT SHALL REMAIN NAMELESS SO THAT THEY WON’T SUE].. It’s just how it is because we have limited oversight of the vitamin and supplement industry in this country. Campaign contributions have bought statutory exemption from much FDA regulation and oversight. We can thank the late Wisconsin senator William Proxmire (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Proxmire_Amendment) and former Utah senator Orrin Hatch (npr.org/sections/health-shots/2018/12/31/673851375…).

      2
      Reply
      • tesseract

        4 years ago

        Contaminated supplements are very possible. Which is why MLB uses an entire certification called NSF of products that go through rigorous tests and are approved to use by MLB players. No excuses from Laureano.

        Reply
    • Rick Wilkins

      4 years ago

      Well it’s the MLBTR comment section. 85 percent terrible humans, 12 percent baseball fans, and 3 percent incredibly terrible humans. I honestly have really enjoyed the mute feature. Drown out the dummies, and talk baseball with the reals.

      5
      Reply
      • riffraff

        4 years ago

        zac – if you muted so many people how do you know the % of terrible human beings on this post?

        5
        Reply
      • jjd002

        4 years ago

        As of 11:10 pm there are 149 comments, how many do you see? I haven’t used the mute, but definitely close with all the trash can “jokes” on every Astros post.

        1
        Reply
      • tesseract

        4 years ago

        Have you tried twitter? The numbers are worse there.

        Reply
  14. alwaysreal

    4 years ago

    No wonder why they signed Marte lol

    Reply
  15. Monkey’s Uncle

    4 years ago

    Boy I hope we find the guy who’s out there spiking food with nandrolone before someone else unknowingly ingests some…

    (extreme sarcasm alert)

    6
    Reply
    • For Love of the Game

      4 years ago

      Just like OJ hoping to find the “real killer!”

      6
      Reply
      • HistoryBelongstotheVictorsInArms

        4 years ago

        “I’m not saying I did it, but if I WAS gonna do it, THIS is how I would’ve done it…”

        4
        Reply
        • SodoMojo90

          4 years ago

          I literally was going to reply that before I scrolled down and saw that you wrote it. One of the greatest lines ever

          Reply
    • bucsfan0004

      4 years ago

      @Monkey’s Uncle

      Remember Marte is a doper too. Maybe Marte offered Laureano some of his ‘special’ food.

      1
      Reply
      • Monkey’s Uncle

        4 years ago

        This is true. Guys who roam center field together, take roids together.

        Reply
  16. NWMarinerHawk

    4 years ago

    EHhhhhhxcelent

    Reply
  17. nbafanzz

    4 years ago

    Ahhh, that is why the picked up Khris Davis. #fullcircle

    Reply
  18. nyy17 2

    4 years ago

    Never ingested? He just jested about injustice, so maybe he injested and injected.

    Reply
  19. pjmcnu

    4 years ago

    Meh, doper who is still basically replacement level. Cut him & move on. There are other defensive CFs that aren’t dopers & liers. Division to Houston, which sucks.

    Reply
    • moonlightsgrahams

      4 years ago

      Weird take to say he is replacement level then immediately concede to Houston. If he can be replaced, then replace him.

      1
      Reply
  20. Oldman58

    4 years ago

    downsr30 and davidk1979
    Both true and funny

    Reply
  21. jonbluvin

    4 years ago

    How often are players tested? If it was a tiny trace amount, it’s hard to really determine how much and when it was originally injected/consumed. If I’m a player, I’m going to a reputable lab and getting tested monthly. So many products we consume are made in countries that have very lax or nonexistent oversight. God only knows what some of the crap is that has passed through my body through the years.

    1
    Reply
    • dirkg

      4 years ago

      Jon they know every single thing that has passed through their body. These guys are machines and are designed that way. Once you hit MLB, your diet is engineered through a nutritionist.

      1
      Reply
  22. firegibby

    4 years ago

    What a dumb ped to use.

    Reply
  23. Colt 45

    4 years ago

    A great many commentors in these discussions, or Astros discussions, or sticky stuff discussion, or GET VACCINATED!!!!11111111 discussions, appear to have taken PEDs to monstrously expand their moral muscalature, such that their pointing finger is as big around as Barry Bonds neck.

    The love of humans for the sport of high horse is apparently inexhaustable.

    1
    Reply
  24. MilwaukeeStrong

    4 years ago

    After the Ryan Braun saga….any positive test is guilty in my eyes

    sorry, you are a cheater

    1
    Reply
    • dirkg

      4 years ago

      One step further, how many of these tests were proven to be false positives? If you’re a multi millionaire with an unbelievably strong union, you have the resources to fight a test that either ruins your career or at least causes a huge financial loss.

      Let’s wait until we think of a successful reversal……

      …….

      (I’m not anti player by any stretch but I know if the news comes out, it’s best tested and vetted at the highest level).

      Reply
  25. ❤️ MuteButton

    4 years ago

    Not a great loss. The A’s shouldn’t miss a beat

    1
    Reply
    • GreenWood Porter

      4 years ago

      They won’t miss his team-leading 12 stolen bases, his excellent defense, or him being tied for 2nd on the team in HR’s. They’re fine.

      1
      Reply
    • ❤️ MuteButton

      4 years ago

      Laureano is an average player. Marte is an above average player. Do the math….

      1
      Reply
  26. David Barista

    4 years ago

    Not shocked to hear this….

    Reply
  27. SITH_SLUGGER

    4 years ago

    How is this possible? The Oakland Rats are straight as an arrow. I hope they get to the bottom of this this is blasphemy on an organization that is pure and clean as they come. How dare they tarnish the name of this organization.

    1
    Reply
  28. julyn82001

    4 years ago

    Nothing new in baseball – or many other sports for that matter. Former A’s skipper Tony La Russa absolutely knew sluggers Jose Canseco and Mark McGwire were taking PED’s well before Jose blew the sky away publishing his book “Juice” virtually exposing ten of baseball players… Whether the A’s front office knew Laureano was taken a banned substance right before they pulled the trigger trading for Marte only heavens know. It’s just a terrible lost for the Oakland A’s. Still, Go A’s!!.

    Reply
  29. prov356

    4 years ago

    I’m not a professional athlete and I always know the contents of what I’m ingesting. It’s amazing that it’s always a mystery to these professional athletes how the PEDs got into their system whenever they get caught cheating. So not only do they cheat, they also show a lack of candor when they’re caught. Character counts.

    2
    Reply
    • hrmax

      4 years ago

      You think you know the full contents of what you put in your body but you don’t really. There are often things that aren’t listed on ingredient lists of products and substances that unintentionally get added. Companies don’t make all the ingredients in their products and have to either trust the tests done by the ingredient manufacturers, do their own tests, AND hope there aren’t any tainted batches not tested. Long story short, if there were traces of nandrolone in your green tea bag from the grocery store, you’d never know and the FDA wouldn’t call to let you know.

      Reply
      • David Barista

        4 years ago

        Yeah meat from Mexico caused Canelo to fail a drug test… I don’t believe that, but that’s his story

        1
        Reply
      • prov356

        4 years ago

        I estimate close to 75% of what I eat is organic and I don’t take medications of any kind. So I probably know what’s in the things I ingest more than the average guy, although I agree with the premise of what you said.

        Reply
  30. ❤️ MuteButton

    4 years ago

    I’m not saying it’s right, in fact I would say it’s definitely wrong, but athletes cheat. It’s just what they do. Has anyone ever seen a football game where a yellow flag was not thrown? Lauriano will be forgiven because the A’s haven’t won anything to contest.

    Reply
  31. WAR_OVERRATED

    4 years ago

    During a recent drug test, professional runner Shelby Houlihan tested positive for nandrolone, a type of anabolic steroid, and was banned from the Tokyo Olympics as a result. But Houlihan has an alternate explanation for her positive test: a tainted burrito.

    1
    Reply
  32. justacubsfan

    4 years ago

    I dont care if players use roids. What i do think is dumb is when the player (often via agent) issues a statement saying they didn’t knowingly do it. It’s a crock of you know what, and it’s very disingenuous. I would much rather they say, yeah I did. I am sorry… saying they are sorry for not knowingly ingesting something isn’t something to apologize for…

    Reply
    • jonbluvin

      4 years ago

      You are making the assumption that they did it. Maybe some did dope intentionally and maybe the rest didn’t. A lot of the positive results are for a tiny amount. I’m willing to bet that some of these players really did ingest something by accident. Would you admit to doing something wrong if you didn’t do it?

      Reply
  33. HalosHeavenJJ

    4 years ago

    Dude always seems to kill the Angels. He’s dropped a couple of unbelievable throws on us.

    So hard to know anymore. On the one hand even Bonds said “never knowingly” which immediately makes the phrase a joke. On the other, trace amounts of PEDs to show up in OTC stuff.

    Perhaps if MLB announced the amount in the bloodstream? Probably violates privacy laws.

    Reply
  34. DarkSide830

    4 years ago

    wow, not only didnt admit to it but claimed contamination. jerk is putting it nice here.

    1
    Reply
    • GreenWood Porter

      4 years ago

      Will the A’s fans still yell cheaters the next time Houston goes there?

      1
      Reply
      • Colt 45

        4 years ago

        Yes. Yes, they will. 🙂

        Reply
      • coupofthecentury

        4 years ago

        @greenwood They’re all pretty braindead hypocrites so I’m sure they still will. They need to manufacture something to boo at since they tried and failed to do to the City of Oakland after they lost 2 (about to be 3) teams.

        Reply
      • Yankee Clipper

        4 years ago

        And they should… it will just happen to apply to their CFer too, so I wouldn’t necessarily recommend he join in.

        2
        Reply
  35. someoldguy

    4 years ago

    The testing is flawed… at Nanograms needed to run a positive, you can get contamination from shaking hands with someone who was using the stuff. This is scientific fact: dw.com/en/skin-contact-doping-an-athletes-nightmar…

    1
    Reply
  36. holecamels35

    4 years ago

    Some of these guys would literally have a needle sticking out of their butts and say they have no idea how they tested positive for anything.

    5
    Reply
    • HalosHeavenJJ

      4 years ago

      David Ortiz

      2
      Reply
    • someoldguy

      4 years ago

      Mickey Mantle.. Proven… grantland.com/features/the-last-boy/

      Roger Maris… he took so much his hair fell out mid season… they blamed it on stress… but they have the poses of Him and mantle bulging those extra large muscles…

      1
      Reply
      • Yankee Clipper

        4 years ago

        This was a very controversial book because of the information it cited that was unsubstantiated. There’s no proof in there, only anecdotes from reported sources. So, rumors of things past… stories, as it were. Yet your citation implies this is the equivalent of a positive chemical drug test for Nandrolone? I fail to see the equivalency in any respect.

        Reply
  37. 30 Parks

    4 years ago

    … “knowingly” – accountability is dead.

    4
    Reply
    • Yankee Clipper

      4 years ago

      Unfortunately, that has been a long time in the making and starts with the supposed leaders of our country, state, community, etc.

      Imagine a world wherein people took accountability, and that was the cultural expectation too!

      Reply
  38. Nats Town

    4 years ago

    Let’s the kids juice

    1
    Reply
  39. jorge78

    4 years ago

    He sure strikes out a lot but man what an arm!

    1
    Reply
  40. Colt 45

    4 years ago

    just fyi, from wiki

    Nandrolone use is directly detectable in hair or indirectly detectable in urine by testing for the presence of 19-norandrosterone, a metabolite. The International Olympic Committee has set a limit of 2.0 μg/L of 19-norandrosterone in urine as the upper limit,[54] beyond which an athlete is suspected of doping. In the largest nandrolone study performed on 621 athletes at the 1998 Nagano Olympic Games, no athlete tested over 0.4 μg/L. 19-Norandrosterone was identified as a trace contaminant in commercial preparations of androstenedione, which until 2004 was available without a prescription as a dietary supplement in the U.S.[55][56][57][58]

    A number of nandrolone cases in athletics occurred in 1999, which included high-profile athletes such as Merlene Ottey, Dieter Baumann and Linford Christie.[59] However, the following year the detection method for nandrolone at the time was proved to be faulty. Mark Richardson, a British Olympic relay runner who tested positive for the substance, gave a significant amount of urine samples in a controlled environment and delivered a positive test for the drug, demonstrating that false positives could occur, which led to an overhaul of his competitive ban.[60]

    Heavy consumption of the essential amino acid lysine (as indicated in the treatment of cold sores) has allegedly shown false positives in some and was cited by American shotputter C. J. Hunter as the reason for his positive test, though in 2004 he admitted to a federal grand jury that he had injected nandrolone.[61] A possible cause of incorrect urine test results is the presence of metabolites from other AAS, though modern urinalysis can usually determine the exact AAS used by analyzing the ratio of the two remaining nandrolone metabolites. As a result of the numerous overturned verdicts, the testing procedure was reviewed by UK Sport. On October 5, 2007, three-time Olympic gold medalist for track and field Marion Jones admitted to use of the drug, and was sentenced to six months in jail for lying to a federal grand jury in 2000.[62]

    Mass spectrometry is also used to detect small samples of nandrolone in urine samples, as it has a unique molar mass.

    3
    Reply
    • someoldguy

      4 years ago

      and you can be contaminated by as little as a hand shake with someone using it.. who knows what foods its in.. the NFL warned players a few years ago not to eat meat from certain countries…

      dw.com/en/skin-contact-doping-an-athletes-nightmar…

      apnews.com/article/c50ea1dc4a04417484e843b21c191a9…

      Reply
  41. coupofthecentury

    4 years ago

    CHEATERCHEATERCHEATERCHEATERCHEATERCHEATERCHEATERCHEATERCHEATERCHEATERCHEATERCHEATERCHEATERCHEATERCHEATERCHEATERCHEATERCHEATERCHEATERCHEATERCHEATERCHEATERCHEATERCHEATERCHEATERCHEATERCHEATERCHEATER

    I hope everyone boos him mercilessly when he comes back in 2022 as he’s a dirty cheater.. As the home of the bash bros, they’re 2nd only to the Yanks when it comes to ingesting the juicy juice.

    1
    Reply
  42. WtfMate

    4 years ago

    Imagine the balls in that guy…

    1
    Reply
  43. 81dodgers88

    4 years ago

    Thats ok, A’s signed Khris Davis this week!

    Reply
  44. Cora the Destroya

    4 years ago

    A’s will still be good without him, just maybe not better than the Astros. Red Sox are doing everything in their power to give the A’s a playoff spot.

    Reply
  45. Bart Harley Jarvis

    4 years ago

    F#€£ing idiot.

    Reply
  46. BRUH.SF.BRUH

    4 years ago

    So they more than likely knew about this before the deadline. Giving up Luzardo for a rental makes a bit more sense now…

    Reply
  47. jessaumodesto

    4 years ago

    Is 80 a 2nd offense?

    Reply
    • YankeesBleacherCreature

      4 years ago

      80 games, full season, and lifetime ban.

      Reply
  48. manrock

    4 years ago

    Way to let everyone down, you are a joke!

    Reply
  49. letimmysmoke55

    4 years ago

    Wow, he was my favorite player on the A’s. Damn

    Reply
  50. jessaumodesto

    4 years ago

    Racism

    Reply
  51. SCOTTG3

    4 years ago

    The problem is anyone and everyone who ever tested positive for steroids always says is was accidentally or a mistaken ingredient blah blah blah…There is 0 credibility historically year after year so unless proven otherwise it’s just another busted player who is full of s*** and lying to save his reputation.

    1
    Reply
    • someoldguy

      4 years ago

      Science says they are being contaminated without their knowledge.. you can get a positive test from a handshake.. or traces left on Gym equipment that you use after someone dopin.. dw.com/en/skin-contact-doping-an-athletes-nightmar…

      Reply
  52. implant

    4 years ago

    .246/.317.446 is a quality season? Man the dumbing down of baseball has lowered the bar.

    1
    Reply
    • jdgoat

      4 years ago

      What exactly isn’t quality about that slash line when paired with a premium defensive position?

      1
      Reply
      • implant

        4 years ago

        Hitting .246 with an OBP of .320 is not quality. I guess I’m today’s game jt might be but like I said the modern day game has lowered the bar as to what is quality and what is not His 2018 and 2019 seasons were quality

        Reply
  53. getrealgone2

    4 years ago

    Win if you can. Lose if you must, but always cheat. = Jesse Ventura.

    Reply
  54. Virginiaphilliesfan

    4 years ago

    ….dindonuffin….

    Reply
  55. Theghostoftycobb

    4 years ago

    Pull a Barry bonds and blame your trainer?

    Reply
    • Yankee Clipper

      4 years ago

      “But these ain’t my pants!”

      Reply
  56. DocBB

    4 years ago

    Another Dominican player shocker

    1
    Reply
  57. empirejim

    4 years ago

    The obligatory, council-prepared, “I have no idea how this happened…” meh

    1
    Reply
  58. Papa Shango

    4 years ago

    Dino Laurenzi strikes again!

    Reply
  59. Mjm117

    4 years ago

    I must say, Ramons English has gotten better.

    Reply
  60. thatdudetg

    4 years ago

    Here’s the thing about PEDs. They don’t make you stronger/faster. They enhance your recovery rate allowing you to workout at 100% more frequently.

    My point here is, he still had to put in the work.

    The Astros in the other hand… that’s pure cheating. No work required other than banging a trash can.

    Reply
    • Randy Marsh

      4 years ago

      Hey what happened to the yankee letter? Isn’t it at all suspicious that the commish office is helping trying to keep it buried? So when it finally comes out and the Yankees franchise crumbles will people like you finally STFU about the Astros ? Probably not

      Reply
    • retire21

      4 years ago

      Thatdudetg, umm, they don’t make you stronger?

      Reply
  61. Orel Saxhiser

    4 years ago

    All MLB players, please rise and join us in the singing of our PED anthem…

    “I would never knowingly ingest any banned substance…”

    Reply
  62. douglasb

    4 years ago

    How does his arbitration number work if he’s suspended over the off-season? His $ number will be interesting.

    Reply

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