Cleveland Indians OF Abraham Almonte suspended for banned substance

Cleveland Indians outfielder Abraham Almonte has been suspended for 80 games without pay after testing positive for Boldenone, a performance-enhancing substance in violation of Major League Baseball's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program, the office of the commissioner announced on Friday.

Almonte's suspension is effective at the start of the 2016 campaign.

"We were disappointed to learn of the suspension of Abraham Almonte for violating Major League Baseball's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program," the Indians said in an organizational statement. "We fully support Major League Baseball's policy and its efforts to eliminate performance-enhancing drugs from our game.

"Per the protocol outlined by Major League Baseball's Collective Bargaining Agreement, we will not comment further on the circumstances surrounding this announcement."

Almonte, 26, was acquired from the San Diego Padres on July 31 of last season and batted .264 with five homers and 20 RBIs in 51 games. He played well in center field and was expected to make the club as a backup outfielder this season.

Almonte has a .244 career average in parts of three seasons with the Seattle Mariners, Padres and Indians.