Pittsburgh Pirates Nik Turley suspended 80 games for PED violation
Pittsburgh Pirates lefty Nik Turley has been suspended for 80 games due to a positive PED test.
With the Pittsburgh Pirates having begun their rebuild, there were several openings on the pitching staff. Gerrit Cole is gone, having headed to Houston. The bullpen is in a state of flux, even if Felipe Rivero has been signed to a long term deal. There are chances for a player to make an impact upon the Pirates, and show that they can be a key part of the organization.
Such a chance was there for Nik Turley. A former 50th round draft pick by the Yankees, he had bounced around the Giants, White Sox, and Red Sox before landing a chance with the Twins last year. Turley made his major league debut in 2017, although he struggled n Minnesota. In his ten games, spanning 17.2 innings, Turley posted a 0-2 record, along with an 11.21 ERA and a 2.151 WHiP.
Despite that ugly performance, Turley was expected to contend for a spot in the Pirates bullpen during Spring Training. However, those plans may have been derailed before they could be put into action, as he was suspended 80 games for a positive PED test.
Per MLB: Pirates LHP Nik Turley received an 80-game suspension without pay after testing positive for Ipamorelin, a performance-enhancing substance. Suspension begins at the start of the season.
— Adam Berry (@adamdberry) January 27, 2018
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Looking at Turley’s minor league production in 2017, one could understand why the Pirates were hopeful he could contribute. Across two levels, he posted a 5-5 record, but with an excellent 2.05 ERA and a 1.011 WHiP. In 92 innings, Turley struck out 124 batters while issuing just 29 walks. He is absolutely worth the flier.
Given his production in the minors, it will be interesting to see how he would have developed under the tutelage of pitching coach Ray Searage. The Pirates have had a great track record of rebuilding the value of pitchers, and Turley could have been the next project. He fit the definition of the low rick, potential high reward signing the Pirates need.
Instead, he will be sidelined for most of the first half of the season. Should he return to the majors, it likely would not happen until after the All Star Break, as he would need to work his way back through the minors. Any changes made during Spring Training may not have that chance to stick.
PED use may have been tempting for a player like Nik Turley as he looks to stay in the majors. With his suspension, he may have lost his chance with the Pittsburgh Pirates.