Pittsburgh Pirate Starling Marte suspended 80 games for PEDs

Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Starling Marte has been suspended for 80 games by MLB, according to a press release that has just come out. Marte is being suspended for testing positive for Nandrolone, a performance-enhancing drug.

This is a pretty big deal...Marte, 28, was an All Star last year, has been a Gold Glove winner each of the past two years, and has been a consistent five win player for the Pirates since 2013.

Under the CBA, players are suspended 80 games for their first positive test, 162 games for a second positive test, and get a lifetime ban for a third positive test. In addition, a suspended player is ineligible for postseason play in the season he is suspended, so if the Pirates (currently 6-7 in the N.L. Central) make the playoffs, they will have to do without Marte.