Seattle Mariners utility man Tim Beckham has been suspended 80 games without pay after testing positive for the performance-enhancing drug stanozolol, Major League Baseball announced Tuesday.
Beckham's suspension will begin immediately. He'll serve the first 48 games this year, with the remainder carrying over into the 2020 season.
In a statement released through the MLB Players Association, the 29-year-old said he tested positive because he unknowingly used a product tainted with the anabolic steroid.
"I was given a product from a trusted source, who had advised me that it was safe to take. Regrettably, the product was tainted," Beckham said. "I exercised my rights under the Joint Drug Agreement and presented my case to an independent arbitrator. While I am disappointed in the result, I respect the ruling and I understand my responsibilities under the (agreement).
"I accept full responsibility for putting myself in this position. I sincerely apologize to the Mariners organization, the fans, my teammates, and my family for this mistake. I look forward to resuming my career once my suspension has been served."
In a statement, the Mariners said they were "disappointed" that Beckham violated the league's policy, according to Greg Johns of MLB.com.
Beckham joined Seattle on a one-year, $1.75-million contract this past winter after being non-tendered by the Baltimore Orioles. He began the campaign as the Mariners' Opening Day shortstop and got off to a hot start, slashing .282/.352/.527 with six homers through April 30 before eventually slowing down and moving into a bench role.
He finishes his 2019 season with a .753 OPS - the second-highest of his career - along with 15 homers and 21 doubles in 88 games.
Selected first overall by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2008, Beckham reached the majors in 2013 but has struggled to make the impact many expected. He owns a career slash line of .249/.302/.431 with 63 homers, 198 RBIs, and 13 steals during parts of six big-league seasons.
Beckham is about to enter his final year of arbitration, meaning the Mariners could opt to non-tender him this offseason.
