Pineda banned for doping

MICHAEL Pineda was slapped with a 60-game suspension for using banned substance. AFP

LOS ANGELES (AFP) — Minnesota Twins pitcher Michael Pineda was suspended 60 games by the Major League Baseball on Saturday after testing positive for a banned diuretic.

Pineda tested positive for hydrochlorothiazide, which is banned because it can mask detection of a performance-enhancing drug.

The suspension takes effect immediately, meaning Pineda’s 2019 season is over and he won’t be eligible for any post-season games.

The Minneapolis Star Tribune reported Pineda was originally suspended for 80 games, but his punishment was reduced after an appeal.

He reportedly argued the drug was included in a product he took to try to manage his weight.

The loss of Pineda, who is 11-5 this season with a 4.01 earned-run average after returning from Tommy John elbow surgery, is a blow to the Twins, who have now had three recent cases of players failing drug tests.

Right-handed pitcher Ervin Santana tested positive for the anabolic steroid stanozolol during spring training in 2015, missing the first 80 regular season games.

And last year, shortstop Jorge Polanco tested positive for stanozolol and was handed with an 80-game ban.

“We were disappointed to learn of the suspension of Michael Pineda for violating Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program,” the Twins said in a statement.

“We fully support Major League Baseball’s policy and its efforts to eliminate banned substances from our game. Per the protocol outlined in the Joint Drug Program, the Minnesota Twins will not comment further on this matter.”