Atlanta Braves reliever Andrew McKirahan has been suspended 80 games by Major League Baseball for a violation of the league's performance-enhancing drug policy, the latest in what's becoming a rash of pitchers testing positive for PEDs.
Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reported the news Monday, which Mark Bowman of MLB.com supported:
According to Kevin McAlpin of Braves Radio Network, the team recalled Ian Thomas on Tuesday to fill McKirahan's roster spot.
David O'Brien of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution continued with a synopsis of Braves President of Baseball Operations John Hart discussing the situation:
McKirahan, 25, is the third pitcher suspended by MLB this month. New York Mets closer Jenrry Mejia and Minnesota Twins starter Ervin Santana were both suspended for taking Stanozolol, a synthetic anabolic steroid. Rosenthal's report did not include the reason for McKirahan's positive test.
The left-hander appeared in three games for Atlanta this season, compiling a 4.15 ERA and a 0.92 WHIP in 4.1 innings. He was active for 0.2 innings in Sunday's win over the Toronto Blue Jays, earning his first career hold.
The Braves acquired McKirahan off waivers from the Miami Marlins on April 1. Miami had previously selected him in the Rule 5 draft after he went unprotected by the Chicago Cubs. Under terms of the Rule 5 system, McKirahan must stay on Atlanta's 25-man roster for the entire 2015 season or risk being reclaimed by Chicago.
It's unclear how McKirahan's suspension will affect his status with the team overall.
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