Cincinnati Reds Volquez Suspended for Drug Use | IXGAMES

Edinson Volquez, Cincinnati Reds’ pitcher, was suspended due to a positive test result for an illegal fertility drug. The punishment was getting suspended from a total of 50 games. This ordeal will cost Volquez a lot of money but will not have a negative impact on the team’s rotation. Because he is suspended for 50 games, the suspension will lose him roughly $133,743. Volquez is actually the first player to be suspended as a result of the efforts of the major league drug program ever since Los Angeles Dodgers’ Manny Ramirez was also suspended from 50 games last May of 2009. Volquez is to serve his suspension while recovering from a reconstructive elbow surgery. In 2008, he ended the season with an elbow injury that prompted him to get a reconstructive surgery. Prior to the elbow injury, Volquez also experienced back spasms during the 2008 season. Volquez’ side of the story According to Volquez, he was prescribed a fertility medication in the Dominican Republic as part of a treatment process. He and his wife was planning to start a family. But because the fertility drug given to him was illegal according to MLB’s standards, he tested positive during spring training. Volquez also explained that although he is willing to accept the punishment and serve his suspension without question, he wants everyone to understand that he didn’t take the fertility drug to gain an edge over other players. He only took the fertility drug as treatment for a common medical condition. Volquez also apologized to teammates, fans, friends, and family regarding the incident. He has also stated that he is willing to accept the consequences of his actions and that he wants to be the best athlete that he can be. He also believes that this experience will help him learn from his mistake and become a better player. What the Cincinnati Reds had to say The Cincinnati Reds fully support the MLB’s decision to suspend Volquez. They support MLB’s efforts to make the league drug-free. The team also said that “the organization does not condone in any way the use of drugs not sanctioned by MLB’s medical staff.” According to Bob DuPuy, the chief operating officer for baseball, players who opt to use banned drugs to enhance performance are quite disappointing. But, he also said that such results are proof that MLB’s drug program is actually working, and that anyone who goes against the rules will be caught and fairly penalized. The MLB has listed four illegal fertility drugs. However, the league won’t release the specific fertility drug that was used by Volquez in accordance to the league’s labor contract. Volquez’s stats Volquez debuted at the major league in 2005. He got a 14.21 ERA and went 0-4. During the next two years, he reached a combined 3-7. In December of 2007, Edinson Volquez was traded for Josh Hamilton.