NEW YORK, June 19 (UPI) -- Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Freddy Galvis has been suspended 50 games for violating doping rules, Major League Baseball said Tuesday.
Galvis, currently on the disabled list with a lower back injury, tested positive for clostebol, a synthetic anabolic steroid, the commissioner's office said.
A 22-year-old rookie, Galvis was hitting .226 with 15 doubles, three home runs and 24 RBI before the injury.
"The Phillies continue to believe in and endorse Major League Baseball's drug policy," the team said in a statement. "We also support Freddy Galvis in his determination to put this matter behind him and we look forward to his return as a productive member of the Phillies as soon as possible."
Galvis issued a statement in which he apologized to teammates and fans, and noted only a trace amount of the steroid was found in a urine sample and denying he had intentionally taken the performance-enhancing drug.
"I cannot understand how even this tiny particle of a banned substance got into my body," he said. "I have not and never would knowingly use anything illegal to enhance my performance."
