It's been a really bad week for Robinson Cano.
On Sunday, the eight-time All-Star was hit by a pitch on his right hand. Tests revealed he broke the pinky finger. On Monday, he was placed on the disabled list.
But Tuesday brought even worse news. Cano has been suspended 80 games for violating MLB's joint drug agreement, the league announced Tuesday.
Cano tested positive for Furosemide, which is a Diuretic. He issued the following statement shortly after MLB announced the suspension:
Recently I learned that I tested positive for a substance called Furosemide, which is not a Performance Enhancing Substance. Furosemide is used to treat various medical conditions in the United States and the Dominican Republic. This substance was given to me by a licensed doctor in the Dominican Republic to treat a medical ailment. While I did not realize at the time that I was given a medication that was banned, I obviously now wish that I had been more careful.
For more than fifteen years, playing professional baseball has been the greatest honor and privilege of my life. I would never do anything to cheat the rules of the game that I love, and after undergoing dozens of drug tests over more than a decade, I have never tested positive for a Performance Enhancing Substance for the simple reason that I have never taken one.
Today I decided to accept MLB's suspension. This was the most difficult decision I have ever made in my life, but ultimately the right decision given that I do not dispute that I was given this substance. I apologize to my family, friends, fans, teammates and the Mariners organization. I am extremely grateful for the support I have received during this process, and I look forward to rejoining my teammates later this season.
The 35-year-old Cano is in the fifth year of a 10-year, $240 million deal with the Mariners. He was off to a decent start to the 2018 season. In 39 games, Cano was hitting .287/.385/.441 with 10 doubles, four home runs and 23 RBI.
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Cano has been one of the most durable players in baseball the last dozen years. From 2007 through 2017, he played in at least 150 games each season and played in at least 160 games six times during that span.
News of Cano's suspension was first reported by Z Deportes and The Athletic.
