Vince Grzegorek of Cleveland Scene reports that Indians outfielder Marlon Byrd has tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs for the second time in his career and faces a 162-game suspension. An announcement is expected soon from the Indians and Major League Baseball.
Source: Tribe’s Marlon Byrd tested positive for PEDs, again. Previously suspended 50 games after testing positive in 2012. Announcement soon
— Vince Grzegorek (@vincethepolack) June 1, 2016
Byrd’s first failed test came in 2012 with the Boston Red Sox when he tested positive for tamoxifen, which earned him a 50-game suspension. A second offense brings a 162-game suspension and possibly an end to the career of the 38-year-old Byrd.
In 115 at-bats with the Indians this season, Byrd is hitting .290 with five home runs and 19 RBIs.
Cleveland has been riddled with injuries in the outfield and it doesn’t help the situation that Byrd could become the second Indians outfielder suspended by MLB.
Abraham Almonte, who came to spring training as the opening day center fielder, tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs in February and is at the halfway point of an 80-game suspension.
PED suspension of Marlon Byrd — not announced by MLB yet — would mean CLE has lost two OFers this season in this way. (Abraham Almonte).
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) June 1, 2016
As if the outfield wasn’t thin enough, it’s about to get thinner.
