A’s Outfielder Ramón Laureano Suspended 80 Games For Violating PED Policy
Aug 6, 2021, 2:31 PM | Updated: 2:35 pm
(Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images)
(Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images)
The Oakland Athletics’ lineup has taken a massive hit.
According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, outfielder Ramón Laureano has tested positive for a banned substance and will be suspended for 80 games.
Laureano will miss the final 53 games of the 2021 regular season and first 27 games of the 2022 regular season.
“The A’s were disappointed to learn of this suspension,” the team said in a statement released on Friday. “We fully support MLB’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program and we will welcome Ramón back after the discipline has been served.”
Laureano responded to the suspension with the following statement:
Oakland’s outfield was looking strong after the acquisition of Starling Marte gave the A’s three strong defensive outfielders in Marte, Laureano and Mark Canha.
With Laureano out for the season, the A’s will lose the 27-year-old’s incredible arm and power at the plate as they chase a spot in the American League playoff field. Marte–who had already started to take over the role–will officially don the day-to-day responsibilities in center field.
With Canha manning one of the corner outfield spots, expect Tony Kemp, Stephen Piscotty and Seth Brown to benefit from the opening spot in the lineup.
Laureano batted .246 with 14 home runs, 39 RBI, 43 runs scored and 12 stolen bases over 88 games.
