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Mariners' Tim Beckham suspended 80 games for PEDs

Tim Beckham #1 of the Seattle Mariners points to the dugout after hitting what would be a pinch-hit, game-winning home run in the eighth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at T-Mobile Park on July 2, 2019. (Photo by Lindsey Wasson/Getty Images)

SEATTLE — Seattle Mariners utility player Tim Beckham has been suspended 80 games after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance, Major League Baseball announced Tuesday.

In a statement through the MLB Player's Association, Beckham said he tested positive for Stanozolol, but denied knowingly taking the substance.

According to the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, Stanozolol is an anabolic steroid.

Read Beckham's entire statement below:

"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 am 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 apologize 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."

Beckham was the first overall selection of the 2008 MLB draft by the Tampa Bay Rays after starring at Griffin High School in Georgia. Beckham signed a one-year contract Mariners this past offseason after playing two seasons for the Baltimore Orioles.

In 88 games this season, Beckham had a .237 batting average, .293 on-base-percentage and 15 home runs. The Mariners only have 48 games remaining this season, meaning Beckham's season is over.

The Mariners released the following statement on Beckham's suspension:

"The Seattle Mariners are disappointed that Tim Beckham has violated the terms of Major League Baseball's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. Our organization fully supports the Program and its efforts to eliminate performance-enhancing substances from our game.

"Per the Basic Agreement, the Mariners will have no further comment."

The Mariners enter Tuesday night's game against the San Diego Padres with a 47-67 record, good for last in the American League West.

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