UPDATED: Atlanta Braves Andrew McKirahan Suspended 80 Games
By Dan Horton
UPDATE:
According to Atlanta Braves beat writer, Mark Bowman via Twitter, Andrew McKirahan’s drug test was conducted prior to the Braves claiming him. McKirahan admitted to using some kind of cream. Of note, McKirahan has indeed apologized to teammates.
A source familiar with the situation said McKirahan's positive test was conducted in March, before the #Braves claimed him off waivers
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) April 20, 2015
A source said McKirahan apologized to his teammates yesterday and informed them he had used a cream during Spring Training. #Braves
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) April 20, 2015
The drug in question has been revealed via MLBTR and MLB Communications official Twitter feed. Aside from the league officially announcing the suspension, the substance identified was known as Ipamorelin.
Braves pitcher Andrew McKirahan has received an 80-game suspension without pay after testing positive for Ipamorelin.
— MLB Communications (@MLB_PR) April 20, 2015
FOX Sports
FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal has reported (via Twitter) that Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Andrew McKirahan has been suspended for 80 games. McKirahan, a rule five pick of the Cubs and follow on waiver pick up for the Marlins, was having a decent start to the season for Atlanta.
Sources: #Braves left-hander Andrew McKirahan suspended 80 games for PEDs. Rule 5 pick from #Cubs. Claimed on waivers from #Marlins.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) April 20, 2015
News of McKirahan’s suspension will force the Braves to call up a reliever to fill the void left by McKirahan. The story was also picked up by MLB Trade Rumors as well.
In a season where Atlanta has already seen one of their own fall victim to the MLB drug testing policy (Arodys Vizcaino), the news comes as a shock to many in Braves Country. Atlanta has always had a very good reputation for having a “clean” clubhouse.
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I imagine the Front Office can’t be too thrilled with this news. To endure two suspensions within a two to three-week span is at best, puzzling. For a bullpen who has struggled as of late after a strong start, the news had to be rather disappointing.
The team will have to move on. They will undoubtedly move quickly to replace McKirahan on the 25-man roster. It can’t be easy to collect yourselves as a group after something like this happens. To have it happen twice, can’t make it any much better of a pill to swallow.