Astros' Martes gets 80-game PED suspension

March 12th, 2019

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Right-hander Francis Martes received an 80-game suspension without pay after testing positive for Clomiphene, a performance-enhancing substance, in violation of Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.

The announcement was made by Major League Baseball prior to the Astros' game against the Nationals late Tuesday afternoon.

Martes, 23, underwent Tommy John surgery on Aug. 15, 2018, and he had a slim chance to return to the mound this season. His timetable for recovery when he had the procedure was 12 to 16 months.

The Astros released the following statement regarding Martes' suspension: "The Houston Astros fully support MLB's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment program. We hope that Francis can learn from this experience and that he returns to have a successful career. We will not comment further on this matter."