Report: Reds’ Edinson Volquez Suspended 50 Games For Failed PED Test

Suspended Reds starter Edinson Volquez says he was not using a banned substance to speed up his recovery from surgery. Volquez reportedly told a few people he was taking the substance for personal reasons, and has now released a statement saying as much:

If this sounds familiar, it’s because Manny Ramirez was suspended for taking a fertility drug just last season. It’s not the same situation, but they keywords are similar, and in the event that Volquez is telling the truth, the level of outrage over the fact that he won’t miss any time should be significantly reduced.

As you’ve undoubtedly heard by now, rehabbing Reds starter Edinson Volquez has been suspended 50 games after failing a test for performance-enhancing drugs. What you may not have heard is that his suspension will begin...now.

Because Volquez can serve his suspension while on the disabled list, he won’t actually miss any games, as he’s still recovering from elbow surgery and wasn’t expected to return for several months. He’ll lose a significant amount of money - roughly $137k or so of his $445k 2010 salary - but there will certainly be some degree of outrage over the fact that Volquez’s drug use won’t cost him any Major League action.

All morning long, rumors have been flying around that a National League pitcher was set to be suspended for violating Major League Baseball’s drug policy. Jon Heyman provides the name:

Volquez, who had a big year in 2008, is currently recovering from Tommy John surgery on his elbow. It would not be the least bit surprising to find out that he was attempting to speed up the healing process.

Let the guessing games commence... We’ll update this story as more information becomes available.