Seattle Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano has been suspended 80 games for violating Major League Baseball's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. According to MLB.com, Cano received the 80-game ban after testing positive for Furosemide, more commonly referred to as a “water pill,” which helps to flush the body of liquid, thus causing more urine and diluting a drug test sample.
Cano's 80-game suspension is effective immediately. The Mariners released a statement following today's announcement that reads, "Robinson made a mistake. He has explained to us what happened, accepted the punishment and has apologized to the fans, the organization and his teammates. We will support Robinson as he works through this challenge."
Cano also released a statement, saying he was unaware that he took a banned substance.
“Furosemide is used to treat various medical conditions in the United States and the Dominican Republic. This substance was given to me by a licensed doctor in the Dominican Republic to treat a medical ailment. While I did not realize at the time that I was given a medication that was banned, I obviously now wish that I had been more careful.”
The 35-year old, who is in the fifth year of a 10-year, $240 million deal, was batting .287 with four home runs and 23 RBIs this year. The Mariners placed him on the disabled list over the weekend due to a fractured fifth metacarpal in his right hand.
According to ESPN's Darren Rovell, the 80-game suspension will cost Cano $11,851,852 in salary.