Houston Astros: Jon Singleton suspended for failed drug test
Houston Astros minor leaguer Jon Singleton has been suspended for 100 games after yet another failed drug test.
There was a time when Jon Singleton was considered to be a key part of the Houston Astros future. He had been signed to a five year, $10 million extension before ever appearing in a major league game, as the Astros were seemingly confident that Singleton was their first baseman of the future. As he was one of the top prospects in the game, it was a reasonable supposition.
Instead, Singleton bombed in his time in the majors. He struggled in his debut in 2014, and had just a 19 game stint in 2015. During his 420 plate appearances with the Astros, Singleton produced a .171/.290/.331 batting line, hitting 14 homers, but striking out 150 times. The former top prospect was sent back to the minors, spending the 2017 campaign in AA. There, he produced a .205/.376/.397 batting line, hitting only 18 homers. No longer a part of the Astros future, Singleton was simply trying to hang on.
Singleton’s time with the Astros may be coming to an end for more than his lack of production on the field. On Tuesday, he failed his third drug test for recreational drugs, something that he has admitted struggles with in the past.
More from Call to the Pen
- Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
- Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
- Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
- Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
- 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals
Back in 2014, Singleton admitted that he was a drug addict, saying that he could not block his enjoyment of getting high from his mind. That desire to smoke and be in an altered state was constantly something that he thought about, serving as a distraction.
After this latest suspension, something needs to be done. It may be time for the former top prospect to check into rehab, as these addictions are harming his very livelihood. Maybe then, Singleton can work on being the player that the Astros had thought they would have when he signed that extension. He is still just 26 years old, and if he can get his life straightened out, may still end up as a productive player.
The big question now is whether or not Singleton realizes his situation. The Astros cannot count on him, despite their potential opening at first. He is not a part of the future any longer, another failed former top prospect who could not live up to the hype. Sadly, his career unraveled to the point where he is not even an option at AAA for Houston.
Next: Whitley Astros top pitching prospect
Jon Singleton was expected to be a key part of the Houston Astros future. Instead, his professional career may be on life support after his latest suspension.