Orioles slugger Chris Davis has been suspended for 25 games without any pay after he tested positive to amphetamine. His sanction will keep him from playing and getting paid starting this season to the post season and most probably up to the next.
His absence will take effect in the incoming games as the Orioles have 17 games left within the season.
According to Davis in a released statement "I apologize to my teammates, coaches, the Orioles organization and especially the fans. I made a mistake by taking Adderall. I had permission to use it in the past, but do not have a therapeutic use exemption this year. I accept my punishment and will begin serving my suspension immediately."
The drug Adderall is used to treat narcolepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It contains a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. But this drug is also known as a performance and cognitive enhancer.
Usually, an initial positive testing will result in an additional six unannounced urine tests over the 12 months following the violation while the 25-game ban is done during the second positive testing.
Davis has already informed manager Buck Showalter about his suspension. Davis is prohibited from entering the club for the entire duration of the suspension. The suspension does not apply to spring training games.
The Orioles are currently crippled with the loss of Davis as aside from him, a couple of the players from the team are also out. Catcher Matt Wieters and third baseman Manny Machado are out for the season due to an injury.
According to Showalter "First of all, we got to get to the postseason. Our goal right now is to get there. It just means we will be without him for the rest of the regular season."
He added "A lot of people would like to hit 25 to 30 home runs and drive in 80 runs."
Because of his suspension, Davis will loss $961,475 worth of his salary which totals $10.35 million. He already has earned a $150,000 bonus for reaching 500 plate appearances, and the suspension has cost him the chance to earn another $150,000 for reaching 600.
