Blizzard warnings in Northwest Minnesota, winter weather advisories across the state

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. 

Turn Up Your Support

Minnesota Twins pitcher Ervin Santana has been suspended for 80 games without pay after testing positive for steroids.


Santana tested positive for Stanozolol, a synthetic anabolic steroid, Major League Baseball 

In a statement, Santana said he was "very disappointed that I tested positive for a performance enhancing drug. I am frustrated that I can't pinpoint how the substance in question entered my body. I would never knowingly take anything illegal to enhance my performance."


The stunning announcement leaves a giant hole in the Twins lineup for the regular season, which starts on Monday.


Santana, 32, was a crucial off-season pickup for the Twins and was expected to play a major role in the pitching rotation. He signed a four-year, $55 million contract with the team, the richest free-agent deal in club history, according to MLB.

"We fully support Major League Baseball's policy and its efforts to eliminate performance enhancing substances from our game," the Twins said in a statement. "Per the protocol outlined in the Joint Drug Program, the Minnesota Twins will not comment further on this matter."

Sports

MPR News Staff

Author

Santana said he was "very disappointed" about testing positive, didn't know how it happened and would never knowingly take any illegal performance enhancing drug.

Twins pitcher Santana suspended 80 games for steroids

Go Deeper.

Like this?