Seattle Mariners relief pitcher David Rollins has been suspended for 80 games by Major League Baseball for violating the league's drug policy.
MLB Communications confirmed the ban, which will cover essentially the entire first half of the 2015 regular season:
Buster Olney of ESPN provided some insight into the situation:
The Mariners selected Rollins away from the Houston Astros in the Rule 5 draft during the offseason. He was considered a contender to earn a spot in the team's bullpen to open the season, likely filling the role of a lefty specialist.
He bolstered his case with a strong spring training. The left-hander had given up just one run in eight innings while allowing just five hits and no walks. He also struck out seven batters.
Bob Dutton of The News Tribune passed along comments from the reliever, who admitted his mistake and said he won't appeal the suspension: "Just accepting it and trying to move forward from it. It's been heavy on my heart. It hasn't been easy for me the past couple of days. I'm just glad I've gotten an opportunity to show what I can be. I just made one bad decision. It's costing me."
Rollins also released a statement through the Players Association, per Evan Drellich of The Houston Chronicle:
Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik is quoted in The News Tribune report as saying the organization plans to keep him despite the setback.
"He's our property during the 80-game suspension," Seattle's GM said. "He will be allowed to stay here in Arizona. He will be under our supervision, and he can pitch and continue to work with the extended team."
Rollins can get placed on the restricted list until the suspension comes to an end, but then, the team will have to decide how to move forward.
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