Hope the Mariner's have free agent Brandon Phillips on speed dial.  Tuesday, the Seattle Mariners announced that besides missing probably at least four weeks due to a broken pinkie suffered when he was hit by a pitch, 2nd baseman Robinson Cano will be suspended 80 games for violating  MLB's Joint Drug and Prevention Program standards.

The Mariners did not specify what happened, but multiple sources say Cano failed a PED (Performance Enhancing Drug) test. According to CBS Sports, he tested positive for Furosemide, a type of diuretic. Players are not automatically suspended for those kind of drugs, but they are often used to 'mask' or help the body flush out other types of PED's, and apparently that was the case with Cano.

This was the statement released by MLB Tuesday:

"The Office of the Commissioner of Baseball announced today that second baseman Robinson Canó of the Seattle Mariners has received an 80-game suspension without pay after testing positive for Furosemide, a Diuretic, in violation of Major League Baseball's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.

Canó's 80-game suspension is effective immediately."

This was the statement released by the Mariners as well:

“We were disappointed to learn today that Robinson had violated the terms Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. Our organization fully supports the Program.
 
“Robinson made a mistake. He has explained to us what happened, accepted the punishment and has apologized to the fans, the organization and his teammates. We will support Robinson as he works through this challenge.” 
  His injury and now suspension comes at a time when the Mariners are sitting in 3rd place in the American League West, and are 23-17, only 1.5 games back of the Astros and Angels, who are tied for first.
  Prior to the announcement Tuesday, there's been a LOT of speculation the team will pick up free-agent veteran Brandon Phillips, a savvy veteran who's played with several teams, most notably the Reds. Phillips is well known for his nickname "Dat Dude," for his slick and amazing defensive abilities. He last played for the Angels in 2017.
Brandon Phillips, possible replacement for Cano (Getty Images)
Brandon Phillips, possible replacement for Cano (Getty Images)
loading...

 

 

More From 97.1 KXRX