Toronto Blue Jays infielder Orelvis Martinez was suspended 80 games on Sunday following a positive test for peformance-enhancing drug Clomiphene. Martinez made his major league debut on Friday.
Toronto Blue Jays infielder Orelvis Martinez has been suspended 80 games for violating MLB’s performance-enhancing drug policy. Martinez, 22, is Toronto’s top hitting prospect and made his big league debut Friday.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) June 23, 2024
“Orelvis was upsrt, disappointed and pretty honest for a young kind when told us,” Blue Jays manager John Schneider said before the series finale against the Cleveland Guardians. “Ge’s obviously humbled and knows he made a mistake. We’re going to support him through the process.”
Orelvis Martinez Gets 80-Game Suspension
Orelvis Martinez Statement
Following his suspension, Martinez released a statement by the players’ association.
“For thre past two years, I have been trying to start a family with my girlfriend. During the offseason, we visited a fertility clinic in the Dominican Republic and after getting lab work done, we were prescribed a treatment, which included a medication called Rejun 50.
“Unfortunately, Rejun 50 contains a banned substance called Clomiphene. We wanted to keep this matter private, even within our family and trusted the doctor who assured us this treatment did not include performance-enhancing drugs. Therefore, I made the mistake of not disclosing this to my team or the MLBPA. With that said, I took full responsibility for my negligence and accepted my suspension.”
“He was unaware the substance was banned,” Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins said. “We fully support the (Major League Baseball Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program) and strong believe in a level playing field.
“We’re obviously extremly disappointed and very surprised.”
Martinez signed with Toronto in July 2018 for a $3.51 million bonus. He hit .260 with 16 home runs, 46 RBI and .867 OPS in 63 games this season at Triple-A Buffalo. Martinez will lose half his salary. His contract is at $740,000 while in the major leagues and $120,600 while in the minors, both the minimum.
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