Mariners Post Trade Deadline News

Tim Beckham recently tested positive for Stanozolol, which is an anabolic steroid. This is his first suspension, so the penalty is 80 games. Since there are fewer than eighty games left in the season he will have to serve the suspension for the remainder of this season and the first 32 games next season. Beckham will be arbitration eligible next season. This is the second season in a row the Mariners have had a suspended player. Robinson Cano was suspended last season for 80 games.

Tim made the following statement regarding the suspension:

“I was recently notified that I had tested positive for Stanozolol, a prohibited substance under MLB’s Joint Drug Agreement. I was given a product from a trusted source, who had advised me that it was safe to take. Regrettably, the product was tainted. I exercised my rights under the Joint Drug Agreement and presented my case to an independent arbitrator. While I’m disappointed in the result, I respect the ruling and understand my responsibilities under the Joint Drug Agreement. I accept full responsibility for putting myself in this position. I sincerely apologized to the Mariners’ organization, the fans, my teammates and my family for this mistake. I look forward to resuming my career once my suspension has been served.”

On a brighter note, a couple of injured Mariners are on their way back from the bench. Mitch Haniger, out since June 7, is nearing a rehab assignment and Felix Hernandez, out since May 11, will make his second rehab start August 15. He could be back in the major league rotation by late August. Felix will be a free agent at the end of the season, and it will be interesting to see what kind of a send-off the Mariners give him. Looking at the schedule, maybe they would set up the rotation so he could pitch the season finale on the 29th of August in Seattle vs. the A’s.

Jarred Kelenic has been promoted to AA Arkansas where he got a hit in his first game. If you are a Mariners fan this is exciting news. Less than 2 percent of the players in AA baseball are twenty years old or younger. Most players at the AA level are at least twenty-four years old. Jarred recently turned 20 in July. To have a player at a premium position like center field moving up this quickly through the system is a great sign.