Jair Jurrjens received an 80-game suspension for a positive PED test. The veteran righty had been working toward an MLB return in the Dodgers system.
Jair Jurrjens‘ path back to Major League Baseball just hit a roadblock. The pitcher has been suspended 80 games after failing a performance-enhancing drug test. Jurrjens had been pitching in the Los Angeles Dodgers system this year hoping for a return to the majors.
The right-hander reportedly tested positive for testosterone, though he quickly issued a statement attempting to clarify the situation. Jurrjens posted the following message on his Instagram account:
The “I didn’t know what was in that supplement” routine has become so common that it discredits the instances when there may have actually been a genuine mix-up. Given the wide variety of products readily available to players by prescription and over the counter, and a prevailing ambiguity in the league’s policy over what is and is not allowed, mistakes can happen, despite the cynicism that has understandably developed among fans.
If Jurrjens is in fact telling the truth, then you have to feel for him a bit. Not many professional athletes cop to something like depression. If the failed test happened as a result of his treatment, then that’s unfortunate. All he can do is wait out his suspension and then keep going.
The good news for Jurrjens is that he still has time on his side. Though it seems like forever since he was an All-Star for the Atlanta Braves, he turned 31 years old in January. He could conceivably bounce around between organizations for a while longer if he so desired.
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After debuting with the Detroit Tigers for seven starts in 2007, Jurrjens came into his own as a pitcher in Atlanta. From 2008-2011, he posted a 3.34 ERA (121 ERA+), 1.29 WHIP and 2.02 K/BB ratio. Jurrjens logged a career-high 34 starts in 2009, collecting 14 wins with a 2.60 ERA. In his All-Star 2011 campaign he put up a 2.96 ERA, but injuries limited him to 23 outings.
Health issues began to take their toll, and Jurrjens made only 11 appearances in 2012 with a bloated 6.89 ERA. He appeared in just four games over the following two seasons for the Orioles and Rockies, to little success. Jurrjens has been attempting a comeback ever since, but still hasn’t pitched in a big league uniform since 2014.
However, a solid showing in the 2017 World Baseball Classic seemed to breathe some life into Jurrjens’ return bid. A native of Curacao, Jurrjens pitched for Team Netherlands and generated a 2.38 ERA and 1.41 WHIP in 11.1 innings.
Jurrjens signed a minor league deal with the Dodgers in March, but he didn’t really distinguish himself on the organization’s Triple-A Oklahoma City club. He appeared in 11 games (10 starts), putting up a 4.64 ERA. A call-up to Los Angeles didn’t exactly appear imminent.
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The 80-game ban puts a return to a minor league mound this season in doubt, meaning Jurrjens will probably need to market his services again next winter. The recent suspension hanging over him won’t help.