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Astro's Pitcher Martes Suspended for 80 Games
Thu, Mar 14, 2019 | Greg Wagner
Astros Pitcher Francis Martes against the Orioles on July 22, 2017 |
On March 12, 2019, Houston Astros' pitcher Francis Martes has been suspended by the MLB for 80 games for testing positive of a banned substance. The injured hurler had positive test of the anti-estrogen drug Clomiphine.
Per the AP report, Clomiphine is used to normally for fertility treatments, but it is used by men taking steroids to increase testosterone production and reduce the side effects of steroids. According to drugs.com the side effects of anabolic steroids in can be hair loss, gynecomastia AKA breast growth, and acne, among others.
Martes had Tommy John surgery on August 15, 2018 after an April 2018 injury pitching for the Triple-A Grizzles, and a one-game rehab assignment for the Gulf Coast Astros on August 2, 2018.
Once considered a top prospect by the Astros, the Houston front office said in a statement "we hope that Francis can learn from the experience and that he returns to have a successful career."
Martes did not play in the MLB in 2018 before his season ending surgery, but in played in the MLB in 2017 with 4 starts and 28 reliefs, a 5-2 record and 5.80 ERA.