New York, NY – Major League Baseball issued a 50-game suspension, effective immediately, to Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Freddy Galvis for a violation of its performance-enhancing drug policy.
Galvis tested positive for clostebol, a synthetic anabolic steroid.
"The Phillies continue to believe in and endorse Major League Baseball's drug policy. We also support Freddy Galvis in his determination to put this matter behind him and we look forward to his return as a productive member of the Phillies as soon as possible," said the Phillies in a statement issued Tuesday evening.
Galvis, who is currently on the disabled list with a lower back injury, had appeared in 58 games for Philadelphia this season in place of injured All- Star second baseman Chase Utley.
The 22-year-old rookie was hitting .226 with 15 doubles, three home runs, 24 RBI and 14 runs scored before the setback.
"A trace amount of a banned substance -- 80 parts in a trillion -- was detected in my urine sample. I am extremely disappointed in what has transpired. I cannot understand how even this tiny particle of a banned substance got into my body. I have not and never would knowingly use anything illegal to enhance my performance. I have always tried to follow the team���s strength and conditioning methods, listen to the trainers, work out hard and eat right. Unfortunately, the rules are the rules and I will be suspended," Galvis said in his own statement.
"I'd like to apologize to my all my fans, especially here in Philadelphia and back home in Venezuela, to my teammates and to the Phillies organization. I am looking forward to putting this behind me, rehabilitating my back and returning to the Phillies as soon as possible to try to help them win another World Series."
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