Pirates CF Starling Marte suspended 80 games for PEDs

The Office of the Commissioner of Baseball announced today that Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Starling Marte has received an 80-game suspension without pay after testing positive for Nandrolone, a performance-enhancing substance, in violation of Major League Baseball's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.

The suspension of Marte is effective immediately.

"The Pittsburgh Pirates fully support MLB's Joint Drug Agreement, including the very tough penalties for violations of its prohibitions," The Pirates said in a statement today. "We are disappointed that Starling put himself, his teammates and the organization in this position. We will continue to fight for the division title with the men who are here and will look forward to getting Starling back after the All-Star break."

Marte was batting .241/.288/.370 with two home runs, two steals and seven RBIs in 13 games this year. He hit .311/.362/.456 with nine homers, 46 RBIs and 47 steals last season.

Marte tied his career high (10th time) with four hits on 4/9; also recorded his fourth career walkoff home run. He has started each of the first 13 games in center field. He leads all Major League outfielders with 36 assists since 2015; his three this year also lead the Majors.

The Pirates recalled INF/OF Jose Osuna from Triple-A Indianapolis as a corresponding move. He will be available for the team's game in St. Louis tonight.