#Mariners’ Hector Santiago gets 80-game suspension for PEDs

The Seattle Mariners’ Hector Santiago was the first pitcher to be punished for violating the MLB’s sticky substance rule. Now, he is in even bigger trouble.

The 33-year-old was suspended for 80 games after testing positive for external testosterone. The suspension will cost him about half his $700,000 salary. Santiago claims that it stemmed from hormonal replacement therapy that he received during his year away from the MLB. Either way, it’s still a violation of the MLB’s drug protocol.

“In 2020, while I was not on the roster of a MLB club, I consulted a licensed physician in Puerto Rico who diagnosed me with a condition and recommended hormonal replacement therapy,” Santiago said in a statement released by the Major League Baseball Players Association.

“Because I did not play in 2020, I did not consider that this therapy could ultimately lead to a positive test under MLB’s joint drug program. That said, I alone am responsible for what I put in my body, and I was not careful. Therefore, I have decided for forgo my right to an appeal in this matter and accept the suspension. I apologize for any harm this has caused the Seattle Mariners, Mariners’ fans, my teammates, and most importantly, my family.”

Santiago was originally suspended for 10 games after umpires found a sticky substance during a June 27 game against the Chicago White Sox. The Newark, NJ native claimed that it was a mixture of sweat and rosin, which still violated foreign substance protocols. He attempted to appeal the suspension, but it was upheld.

The fourth player to be suspended for breaking substance protocol, Santiago is 1-1 with a 3.42 ERA, 30 strikeouts, 11 walks, and 26.1 innings pitched in 13 relief appearances this season.

Before the Mariners, the journeyman has played for teams such as the Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Angels, Minnesota Twins, and even a brief stint with the New York Mets in 2019. Because of the suspension, Santiago will be out for the rest of the season.