clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Chris Colabello suspended for 80 game for PEDs

By Tom Dakers
Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Well, this is a surprise, Chris Colabello has suspended for 80 games for testing positive for performance enhancing drugs.

I'm honestly shocked. I would never have guessed this. The drug he tested positive for is dehydrochlormethyltestosterone. It, apparently, improves strength and speed.

I really don't know what to say.....Colabello will be out until late July (presuming he would be put back on the roster when his suspension ends, which is doubtful, he would, at least, need time in the minors to get back up to playing condition).

Colabello released a statement:

I've never been a fan of the 'I don't know how this happened' excuse. Players should know what is going into their bodies. They should be using team approved supplements. Saying 'I don't know how this happened' doesn't ring true to me.

It is pretty sad, he was the feel good story of last season. This year he's been off to a rough start but I would have never expected this.

I guess Justin Smoak wins the first base job by default now, though, I'd imagine we'll see more of Edwin Encarnacion at the position too, with more use of DH for resting the regulars. I'm not against that idea.

This has been weighing on Chris for a while now:

I didn't realize it took that long to go from positive test to suspension. And,yeah, it could go a long way to explaining his terrible start to the season.

Very sorry to hear this.

Chad Girodo has been called up to fill the roster spot, at least for today. Drew Hutchison will be called up to start Sunday's game.

Update, the Jays have released this statement from Ross Atkins:

"This is obviously an unfortunate situation that we are in with Chris. We believe in him as a person and player. We also fully endorse the Major league Baseball drug testing policy."
"Chris has overcome a great deal in his career and has been a key contributor to this team. While we are certainly disappointed with today's news, we're confident he'll return ready to compete and will have taken the steps needed to ensure that this does not happen again."

More From Bluebird Banter