NL Central News: Pirates’ Marte Suspended 80 Games, Ineligible for Playoffs
Flying high after a sweep of the Cubs at Wrigley Field, the Pirates were brought crashing back down to earth this afternoon when it was announced that outfielder Starling Marte has been suspended 80 games for PEDs (Nandrolone to be specific). As if that weren’t bad enough, he will also be ineligible for the playoffs should the Pirates make it.
Wow. pic.twitter.com/8DaTRWws8L
— Jared Diamond (@jareddiamond) April 18, 2017
Remember: Marte will be ineligible for postseason if #Pirates qualify – and that possibility takes a major hit with his suspension.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) April 18, 2017
Statement from Pirates President Frank Coonelly. pic.twitter.com/c6APCxtrcb
— Pirates (@Pirates) April 18, 2017
Starling Marte has released a statement regarding his 80-game PED suspension. pic.twitter.com/JsWFvXETKC
— Jared Diamond (@jareddiamond) April 18, 2017
It goes without saying that this will impact the Pirates in a major way moving forward. While it’s too early to say that this torpedoes Pittsburgh’s season, it’s going to take a lot for them to overcome such a loss.