Baltimore Orioles first baseman Chris Davis has been suspended for 25 games for his usage of Adderall, according to multiple media reports.
Waiting on official word but hearing Chris Davis has tested pos for amphetamines. 25 game suspension
— Dan Connolly (@danconnolly2016) September 12, 2014
Davis offered this statement shortly after the news of his suspension broke Friday morning.
"“I apologize to my teammates, coaches, the Orioles organization and especially the fans. I made a mistake by taking Adderall. I had permission to use it in the past, but do not have a therapeutic use exemption (TUE) this year. I accept my punishment and will begin serving my suspension immediately.”"
The fact that Davis was suspended indicates that he has tested positive for a substance such as Adderall twice now. The suspension would include the entire ALDS and would stretch into the League Championship Series, as well, meaning the suspension will ultimately have postseason implications for the first-place Orioles.
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The Baltimore slugger is mired in a season-long struggle, that has seen his average fall 90 points from his All-Star campaign of 2013. Despite his down year, the left-handed swinging Davis has 26 home runs and 72 RBIs – although his batting line of .196/.300/.404 leaves something to be desired.
Last year, the now-28-year-old Texas native earned his first All-Star selection, finishing third in the American League MVP voting – thanks to a monster year at the dish. He hit a career-high 53 home runs, driving in 138 runs and collecting 42 doubles to go along with a slash line of .286/.370/.634. His offensive dominance also netted him a Silver Slugger Award.
This season, Davis has seen time at both first and third base for the Orioles, and in his absence, Steve Pearce will likely handle the duties at first and Ryan Flaherty will primarily take over at third base. His absence will no doubt be felt in the middle of the Baltimore lineup, as Davis ranked second on the team in home runs, trailing only Nelson Cruz (39) and third in RBIs – behind only Cruz (101) and Adam Jones (85).
Baltimore currently has a ten-game lead in the American League East and have won four consecutive contests. The club begins a four-game series at home against the New York Yankees Friday with a doubleheader.