MLB notes: Padres’ Cameron Maybin suspended
San Diego Padres outfielder Cameron Maybin was suspended 25 games by Major League Baseball on Wednesday for testing positive for an amphetamine.
Maybin said in a statement released by the Major League Baseball Players Association the failed test was the result of a change in the medication he was using to treat attention deficit disorder.
“I have been undergoing treatment for several years for a medical condition, attention deficit disorder (ADD), for which I previously had a therapeutic use exemption (TUE). Unfortunately, in my attempts to switch back to a medicine that had been previously OK’d, I neglected to follow all the rules and as a result I tested positive,” Maybin said in the statement. “I want to assure everyone that this was a genuine effort to treat my condition and I was not trying in any way to gain an advantage in my baseball career.”
Under the drug agreement between MLB and its players’ union, 25 games is the penalty for a second positive amphetamine test. A first positive results only in six unannounced follow-up tests over the next year.
The 27-year-old Maybin was batting .247 with one home run and nine RBIs in 62 games this season.
“I understand that I must accept responsibility for this mistake and I will take my punishment and will not challenge my suspension,” he said in the statement.
Tigers deal for Soria
Multiple media outlets report the Detroit Tigers have acquired right-handed reliever Joakim Soria from the Rangers in exchange for pitchers Corey Knebel and Jake Thompson.
Soria, previously the Rangers’ closer, has 17 saves this season in 19 chances. He was the set-up man for Joe Nathan, now the Tigers’ closer, last season in Texas. Soria has a 2.70 ERA and a 0.87 WHIP.
Clearing the bases
Brewers third baseman Aramis Ramirez became the 14th active player to reach his 2,000th major league game Wednesday, a 5-1 win over Cincinnati. …Washington has placed Ryan Zimmerman on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right hamstring. … The Indians have recalled infielder Jose Ramirez from Triple-A Columbus, with starting shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera still hampered by lower back spasms. … Minnesota has designated right-hander Matt Guerrier for assignment and will recall right-hander Ryan Pressly from Triple-A Rochester. … Yankees infielder Kelly Johnson has been placed on the 15-day DL with a strained left groin. … The Astros have placed outfielder George Springer on the 15-day DL with a strained left quadriceps. … Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer was removed from Wednesday’s game against Chicago because of decreased grip strength in his right hand.