Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Starling Marte has been suspended 80 games by Major League Baseball after testing positive for performance enhancing drugs, according to ESPN.
Marte reportedly tested positive for nandrolone an will be suspended immediately making him eligible to return in mid-July.
Marte released the following statement, per ESPN,
"I have been informed that I have tested positive in one of the tests that are regularly done in my job," Marte said in a statement released by the Major League Baseball Players Association. "In this very difficult moment, I apologize to my family, the Pittsburgh Pirates, my teammates, my fans, and baseball in general."
Like others who have tested positive for PEDs in the past, Marte blamed "lack of knowledge" and said he unintentionally took the banned performane enhancing drug.
"Neglect and lack of knowledge have led me to this mistake with the high price to pay of being away from the field that I enjoy and love so much. With much embarrassment and helplessness, I ask for forgiveness for unintentionally disrespecting so many people who have trusted in my work and have supported me so much. I promise to learn the lesson that this ordeal has left me. God bless you."
Marte, who made his first All-Star team last season, was averaging .241 this season with two home runs and seven RBIs through 13 games.