Red Sox knuckleballer Steven Wright gets 80-game PED ban
Boston Red Sox knuckleballer Steven Wright received an 80-game suspension from Major League Baseball after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs, according to a league announcement obtained by Mark Feinsand of MLB.com.
An offseason test found that Wright, 34, had growth hormone-releasing peptide 2 in his system, according to Feinsand. As a result of the suspension, Wright would be ineligible to rejoin the Red Sox for the postseason, in the event the defending champions clinch a playoff spot.
"Although I do not dispute the validity of the test, I was shocked as I have never intentionally ingested anything for performance-enhancing purposes," Wright said in a statement Wednesday, according to Feinsand. "I have fully cooperated with MLB and will continue to try and identify the source of the result."
In a release, the Red Sox voiced their support for the MLB program. "While we are disappointed by the news of this violation," the statement added, "we will look to provide the appropriate support to Steven at this time. Going forward, the club will not comment further on the matter."
Boston manager Alex Cora said he couldn't comment on the suspension, but told Christopher Smith of MassLive that Wright is "still part of the organization."
In 2018, Wright served a 15-game suspension for violating the league's domestic violence policy.
Over 20 appearances last season, including four starts, Wright authored a 2.68 ERA and 4.37 FIP.