Thomas Pannone, a relief pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays, has been suspended for 80 games without pay after violating Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. The suspension, which was announced by MLB on Friday, is effective immediately and will include the remainder of the 2023 season.
Pannone, 29, has pitched in 14 games for the Blue Jays this season, posting a 1-0 record with a 4.58 ERA. He has also spent time in the minor leagues, pitching for the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons.
According to MLB, Pannone tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance, which is a violation of the league’s drug policy. The specific substance was not disclosed, but it is believed to be a banned stimulant.
Pannone released a statement apologizing for his actions, saying, “I made a mistake and I accept the consequences. I let my team and myself down, and for that, I am truly sorry.”
The Blue Jays organization also released a statement, saying, “We are disappointed by Thomas’ actions and fully support MLB’s drug policy. We will continue to work with Thomas to ensure he learns from this mistake and returns to the field as soon as possible.”
This suspension is the latest in a string of disciplinary actions taken by MLB against players who have violated the league’s drug policy. The policy, which was implemented in 2005, aims to prevent the use of performance-enhancing substances in baseball.
Pannone’s suspension is a significant blow to the Blue Jays, who are currently in the midst of a playoff push. The team has been struggling with injuries and inconsistencies in the bullpen, and Pannone’s absence will only add to the challenge.
The suspension also raises questions about the culture of the Blue Jays organization and whether more needs to be done to prevent these types of violations. While Pannone’s actions are ultimately his own responsibility, the team and the league must also take steps to ensure that players are aware of the risks and consequences of using performance-enhancing substances.
In recent years, there have been several high-profile cases of players violating MLB’s drug policy, including stars like Robinson Cano and Manny Ramirez. These cases have led to calls for stricter penalties and increased testing, and it is likely that Pannone’s suspension will add to the debate.
Overall, Thomas Pannone’s suspension is a reminder that the use of performance-enhancing substances is a serious issue in professional sports, and that players, teams, and leagues must work together to prevent these types of violations and ensure a level playing field for all.
