Blue Jays’ Chris Colabello suspended 80 games for positive PED test
By David Rouben
Toronto Blue Jays’ first baseman Chris Colabello learned the hard way that the MLB doesn’t take kindly to PED users.
Only three years removed from the Biogenesis scandal, it seems that MLB players still haven’t learned not to take performance-enhancing drugs. Jenrry Mejia was recently banned for life after a third banned test, and you know what they say, three strikes and you’re out. But even though this was Chris Colabello’s first offense, he will still be subject to a harsh punishment in the form of an 80-game suspension.
Shortly after hearing the news, Collabello issued a statement per the Toronto Star:
For as good as the Toronto Blue Jays roster is this season, they are thin at first base. Edwin Encarnacion can play the position, but he’s been playing at the DH spot for most of the season, meaning that Justin Smoak is likely to get promoted to regular starter in Colabello’s absence. As for the Jays’ vacant roster spot, MLB Trade Rumors is reporting that Chad Girodo got the call up from the minor leagues.
Colabello’s defensive ratings weren’t the greatest either, and if the team was hoping to cut ties with him, this might expedite the process. However, he is a better option than Justin Smoak at first base so it’s not as if the team is benefiting from his loss. It’s been a tough season for Colabello, and this just made it go from bad to worse.
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