STEROID SUSPENSIONS IN MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL

Major League Baseball Players Suspended for Using Performance Enhancing Drugs

BALCO stands for Bay Area Laboratory Cooperative, a San Francisco, California company founded by Victor Conte. According to the U.S. Government, BALCO branched out into other areas including distribution of banned performance enhancing drugs. The "nutritional supplements" being sold by BALCO were illegal under olympic rules and track athletes were soon tested by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency. During the BALCO steroid scandal, allegations that top baseball and football players had used illegal performance enhancing drugs were brought to light.

Major League Baseball had an established steroid policy which was created in 2002. Under this old policy, a first time offense would only result in treatment for the player. Not one player was ever suspended. After the BALCO scandal, Major League Baseball finally decided to buckle down and issue harsher penalties for steroid users. The new policy, which was accepted by Major League Baseball players and owners, was issued at the start of the 2005 season and goes as follows:

The first positive test will result in a suspension of up to ten days. The second positive test will result in a suspension of thirty days. The third positive test will result in a suspension of sixty days. The fourth positive test will result in a suspension of one full year. Finally, the fifth positive test will result in a penalty at the discretion of the Commissioner of Major League Baseball. Players will be tested at least once per year, with a chance that several players can be tested numerous times per year.

Bud Selig, the Commissioner of Major League Baseball, virtually created the existing policy and in light of recent evidence, has proposed even tougher penalties for positive tests than the ones in place today. The new penalties that Bud Selig has proposed are a "three strikes and you're out approach" which goes as follows:

The first positive test would result in a fifty game suspension. The second positive test would result in a one-hundred game suspension. Finally, the third positive test would result in a lifetime suspension from Major League Baseball.

These new proposed penalties are much harsher than either of the first two; however, they must be accepted by both the players union and owners before any changes can be made. Under the current policy, the first Major League ballplayers have been suspended for testing positive. The players suspended for violating Major League Baseball's drug program are listed below in chronological order.

Baseball Almanac Top Quote

"I am truly saddened by today's events. I have known Rafael Palmeiro for many years. He is a fine person, a great player and a true asset to his community. I know from personal experience that his accomplishments are due to hard work and his dedication to the game. I know that Rafael will accept the penalty under Baseball's important Drug Policy and that he will return to be a productive member of the Orioles." - Angelos, Peter. Baltimore Orioles Press Release. 1 August 2005.

Steroid Suspensions in 2005
(Includes ALL Performance Enhancing Drug Suspensions)

Major League Baseball Steroid Suspensions Appear In Chronological Order

1. Alex Sanchez 04-03-2005 Devil Rays (1) AL (1) OF (1) 10 Days
2. Jorge Piedra 04-11-2005 Rockies (1) NL (1) OF (2) 10 Days
3. Agustin Montero (a) 04-20-2005 Rangers (1) AL (2) P (1) 10 Days
4. Jamal Strong 04-26-2005 Mariners (1) AL (3) OF (3) 10 Days
5. Juan Rincon 05-02-2005 Twins (1) AL (4) P (2) 10 Days
6. Rafael Betancourt 07-08-2005 Indians (1) AL (5) P (3) 10 Days
7. Rafael Palmeiro 08-01-2005 Orioles (1) AL (6) 1B (1) 10 Days
8. Ryan Franklin 08-02-2005 Mariners (2) AL (7) P (4) 10 Days
9. Mike Morse 09-07-2005 Mariners (3) AL (8) SS (1) 10 Days
10. Carlos Almanzar 10-04-2005 Rangers (2) AL (9) P (4) 10 Days
11. Felix Heredia 10-18-2005 Mets (1) NL (2) P (5) 10 Days
12. Matt Lawton 11-02-2005 Yankees (1) AL (10) OF (4) 10 Days

Steroid Suspensions in 2006
(Includes ALL Performance Enhancing Drug Suspensions)

Major League Baseball Steroid Suspensions Appear In Chronological Order

1. Yusaku Iriki (b) 04-28-2006 Mets (1) NL (1) P (1) 50 Games
2. Jason Grimsley 06-12-2006 Diamondbacks (1) NL (2) P (2) 50 Games
3. Guillermo Mota 11-01-2006 Mets (2) NL (3) P (3) 50 Games

Steroid Suspensions in 2007
(Includes ALL Performance Enhancing Drug Suspensions)

Major League Baseball Steroid Suspensions Appear In Chronological Order

1. Juan Salas 05-07-2007 Devil Rays (1) AL (1) P (1) 50 Games
2. Neifi Perez 07-06-2007 Tigers (1) AL (2) SS (1) 25 Games
3. Neifi Perez 08-03-2007 Tigers (2) AL (3) SS (2) 80 Games
4. Ryan Jorgenson 09-07-2007 Reds (1) NL (1) C (1) 25 Games
5. Mike Cameron (c) 10-31-2007 Padres (1) NL (2) OF (1) 25 Games
6. Dan Serafini 11-27-2007 Rockies (1) NL (3) P (2) 50 Games
7. Jose Guillen 12-06-2007 Royals (1) AL (3) OF (2) 15 Gamesn
8. Jay Gibbons 12-06-2007 Orioles (1) AL (4) OF (3) 15 Games

Steroid Suspensions in 2008
(Includes ALL Performance Enhancing Drug Suspensions)

Major League Baseball Steroid Suspensions Appear In Chronological Order

1. Eliezer Alfonzo 04-30-2008 Giants (1) NL (1) C (1) 50 Games

Steroid Suspensions in 2009
(Includes ALL Performance Enhancing Drug Suspensions)

Major League Baseball Steroid Suspensions Appear In Chronological Order

1. Sergio Mitre 01-06-2009 Yankees (1) AL (1) P (1) 50 Games
2. J.C. Romero 01-06-2009 Phillies (1) NL (1) P (2) 50 Games
3. Manny Ramirez 05-07-2009 Dodgers (1) NL (2) OF (1) 50 Games
4. Pablo Ozuna 06-11-2009 Phillies (2) NL (3) IF (1) 50 Games

Steroid Suspensions in 2010
(Includes ALL Performance Enhancing Drug Suspensions)

Major League Baseball Steroid Suspensions Appear In Chronological Order

1. Edinson Volquez 04-20-2010 Reds (1) NL (1) P (1) 50 Games
2. Ronny Paulino 08-20-2010 Marlins (1) NL (2) C (1) 50 Games

Steroid Suspensions in 2011
(Includes ALL Performance Enhancing Drug Suspensions)

Major League Baseball Steroid Suspensions Appear In Chronological Order

1. Manny Ramirez (d) 04-08-2011 Rays (1) AL (1) OF (1) 100 Games
2. Mike Jacobs (e) 08-18-2011 Rockies (1) NL (1) 1B (1) 50 Games

Steroid Suspensions in 2012
(Includes ALL Performance Enhancing Drug Suspensions)

Major League Baseball Steroid Suspensions Appear In Chronological Order

1. Guillermo Mota 05-07-2012 Giants (1) NL (1) P (1) 100 Games
2. Freddy Galvis 06-19-2012 Phillies (1) NL (2) IF (1) 50 Games
3. Marlon Byrd 06-25-2012 Free Agent (1) n/a OF (1) 50 Games
4. Melky Cabrera 08-15-2012 Giants (2) NL (3) OF (2) 50 Games
5. Bartolo Colon 08-22-2012 Athletics (1) AL (1) P (2) 50 Games
6. Yasmani Grandal 11-07-2012 Padres (1) NL (4) C (1) 50 Games

Steroid Suspensions in 2013
(Includes ALL Performance Enhancing Drug Suspensions)

Major League Baseball Steroid Suspensions Appear In Chronological Order

1. Ryan Braun 07-22-2013 Brewers (1) NL (1) OF (1) 101 Games
2. Antonio Bastardo 08-05-2013 Phillies (1) NL (2) P (1) 50 Games
3. Everth Cabrera 08-05-2013 Padres (1) NL (3) SS (1) 50 Games
4. Francisco Cervelli 08-05-2013 Yankees (1) AL (1) C (1) 50 Games
5. Nelson Cruz 08-05-2013 Rangers (1) AL (2) OF (2) 50 Games
6. Fautino De Los Santos 08-05-2013 Padres (2) NL (4) P (2) 50 Games
7. Sergio Escalona 08-05-2013 Astros (1) AL (3) P (3) 50 Games
8. Fernando Martinez 08-05-2013 Yankees (2) AL (4) OF (3) 50 Games
9. Jesus Montero 08-05-2013 Mariners (1) AL (5) C (2) 50 Games
10. Jordan Norberto 08-05-2013 Free Agent (1) n/a P (4) 50 Games
11. Jhonny Peralta 08-05-2013 Tigers (1) AL (6) SS (2) 50 Games
12. Alex Rodriguez 08-05-2013 Yankees (3) AL (7) 3B (1) 211 Games
13. Jordany Valdespin 08-05-2013 Mets (1) NL (5) IF/OF (1) 50 Games
14. Miguel Tejada 08-17-2013 Royals (1) AL (8) 3B (2) 105 Games
15. Troy Patton 12-20-2013 Orioles (1) AL (9) P (5) 25 Games

Steroid Suspensions in 2014
(Includes ALL Performance Enhancing Drug Suspensions)

Major League Baseball Steroid Suspensions Appear In Chronological Order

1. Alex Colome 03-24-2014 Rays (1) AL (1) P (1) 50 Games

Steroid Suspensions in 2015
(Includes ALL Performance Enhancing Drug Suspensions)

In Chronological Order

1. David Rollins 03-27-2015 Mariners (1) AL (1) P (1) 80 Games
2. Ervin Santana 04-03-2015 Twins (1) AL (2) P (2) 80 Games
3. Jenrry Mejia 04-11-2015 Mets (1) NL (1) P (3) 80 Games
4. Andrew McKirahan 04-20-2015 Braves (1) NL (2) P (4) 80 Games
5. Jenrry Mejia 07-28-2015 Mets (2) NL (3) P (5) 162 Games
6. Cody Stanley 09-12-2015 Cardinals (1) NL (4) C (1) 80 Games

Steroid Suspensions in 2016
(Includes ALL Performance Enhancing Drug Suspensions)

Major League Baseball Steroid Suspensions Appear In Chronological Order

1. Jenrry Mejia 02-12-2016 Mets (1) NL (1) P (1) Permanent
2. Abraham Almonte 02-26-2016 Indians (1) AL (1) OF (1) 80 Games
3. Daniel Stumpf 04-14-2016 Phillies (1) NL (2) P (2) 80 Games
4. Chris Colabello 04-22-2016 Blue Jays (1) AL (2) 1B (1) 80 Games
5. Dee Gordon 04-29-2016 Marlins (1) NL (3) 2B (1) 80 Games
6. Josh Ravin 05-02-2016 Dodgers (1) NL (4) P (3) 80 Games
7. Raul Mondesi 05-10-2016 Royals (1) AL (3) SS (1) 50 Games
8. Marlon Byrd 06-01-2016 Indians (2) AL (4) OF (2) 162 Games
9. Alec Asher 06-16-2016 Phillies (2) NL (5) P (4) 80 Games

Steroid Suspensions in 2017
(Includes ALL Performance Enhancing Drug Suspensions)

Major League Baseball Steroid Suspensions Appear In Chronological Order

1. Starling Marte 04-18-2017 Pirates (1) NL (1) OF (1) 80 Games
2. David Paulino 07-01-2017 Astros (1) NL (2) P (1) 80 Games

Steroid Suspensions in 2018
(Includes ALL Performance Enhancing Drug Suspensions)

Major League Baseball Steroid Suspensions Appear In Chronological Order

1. Raudy Read 02-07-2018 Nationals (1) NL (1) C (1) 80 Games
2. Jorge Bonifacio 03-11-2018 Royals (1) AL (1) OF (1) 80 Games
3. Jorge Polanco 03-18-2018 Twins (1) AL (2) SS (1) 80 Games
4. Robinson Cano 05-15-2018 Mariners (1) AL (3) 2B (1) 80 Games
5. Welington Castillo 05-24-2018 White Sox (1) AL (4) C (2) 80 Games

Steroid Suspensions in 2019
(Includes ALL Performance Enhancing Drug Suspensions)

Major League Baseball Steroid Suspensions Appear In Chronological Order

1. Eric Skoglund 01-16-2019 Royals (1) AL (1) P (1) 80 Games
2. Steven Wright 03-06-2019 Red Sox (1) AL (2) P (2) 80 Games
3. Mike Marjama 05-02-2019 Free Agent (1) n/a C (1) 80 Games
4. Francis Montas 06-21-2019 Athletics (1) AL (3) P (3) 80 Games
5. Tim Beckham 08-06-2019 Mariners (1) AL (4) IF (1) 80 Games
6. Michael Pineda (f) 09-07-2019 Twins (1) AL (5) P (4) 60 Games

Steroid Suspensions in 2020
(Includes ALL Performance Enhancing Drug Suspensions)

Major League Baseball Steroid Suspensions Appear In Chronological Order

1. Francis Martes 02-17-2020 Astros (1) AL (1) P (1) 162 Games
2. Victor Alcantara 02-21-2020 Free Agent (1) n/a P (2) 80 Games
3. Emmanuel Clase 05-01-2020 Indians (1) AL (2) P (3) 80 Games
4. Edgar Santana 06-28-2020 Pirates (1) NL (1) P (4) 80 Games
5. Robinson Cano 11-18-2020 Mets (1) NL (2) 2B (1) 162 Games

Steroid Suspensions in 2021
(Includes ALL Performance Enhancing Drug Suspensions)

Major League Baseball Steroid Suspensions Appear In Chronological Order

1. Paul Campbell 05-03-2021 Marlins (1) NL (1) P (1) 80 Games
2. Gregory Santos 06-29-2021 Giants (1) NL (2) P (2) 80 Games
3. Héctor Santiago 07-29-2021 Mariners (1) AL (1) P (3) 80 Games
4. Ramón Laureano 08-06-2021 Athletics (1) AL (2) CF (1) 80 Games
5. -- -- -- -- -- --
MLB Steroid Suspensions | Bold = Mitchell Report | Research by Baseball Almanac
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baseball almanac fast facts

(a) The third player suspended by Major League Baseball in 2005 was Agustin Montero of the Texas Rangers who was on the 40-man roster during Spring Training when he violated the drug policy. As he had not yet played a Major League game his career stats were not available and wasn't yet officially a Major League player, but since he was on a Major League roster he was included in the list. (b) The first in 2006 was the Japanese player suspended for a positive steroid test and also a Spring Training player who made it to the New York Mets 40-man roster. (c) A lot of Internet chatter (meaning rumors) took place when Mike Cameron was suspended in 2007, but both Cameron & Major League Baseball confirmed he was suspended not for a steroid, but for a stimulant listed in the PED chart. (d) Official Press Release announced rather than take the 100 day suspension Manny Ramirez chose to retire from active player status, but would face the suspension if he returned to Major League Baseball. (e) Mike Jacobs was the first player to test positive for and be suspended for using human growth hormone (HGH). (f) The reduced suspension was due to a positive test for a Diuretic (Hydrochlorothiazide).

If you would like a detailed look at the Mitchell Report, with an easy to understand chart that lists every played named in the report, AND be able to download the entire report for yourself, simply visit our Mitchell Report analysis page.

If Baseball Almanac were in position to create policy we would have suggested that at the start of the regular season every Major League player on a roster would be tested for a clearly defined set of drugs two weeks before Opening Day. If found positive, they would be suspended without pay — for the entire season. One more positive test and they would be banned from the game of baseball. Another test would occur the day before the All-Star Game and a final test on the last day of the season. Same results for each of the final two tests. Players who use these drugs have done more harm to our national pastime than any group since the 1919 "Black" Sox. Agree? Disagree? Share your opinion on Baseball Fever.