Mariners SS Tim Beckham Suspended 80 Games for PED Violation
By Parker White
It's been a rough 2019 campaign for the Seattle Mariners, who are 20 games below .500, and it got even more ominous on Tuesday, as infielder Tim Beckham received an 80-game suspension for violating MLB's PED policy.
Mariners utility man Tim Beckham has been suspended 80 games without pay after testing positive for Stanozolol, a performance-enhancing substance, in violation of Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.
— Greg Johns (@GregJohnsMLB) August 6, 2019
Beckham tested positive for Stanozolol, which is labeled as a performance-enhancing substance. If there's no appeal and reduction to the amount of games he'll be out, Beckham's suspension will go into the 2020 campaign.
Tim Beckham Receives 80-Game PED Suspension https://t.co/sWgMOLuxhz pic.twitter.com/PtghnS8c4J
— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) August 6, 2019
After a quick pit stop in Baltimore last year, the former No. 1 overall pick signed with the Mariners as a free agent this offseason. In 88 games this season, Beckham is slashing .237/.293/.461 with 15 home runs and 47 RBI.
Beckham has never lived up to the billing of being a top overall pick in the draft by the Tampa Bay Rays back in 2008. However, over the last couple seasons he's shown the ability to bring defensive versatility and above-average power for an infielder. For now, one of the feel-good stories of the 2019 season will have an asterisk next to his name.