Pittsburgh Pirates CF Starling Marte suspended 80 games for PED use

Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Starling Marte was suspended 80 games without pay after testing positive for the performance-ending substance Nandrolone, the commissioner's office announced Tuesday.

Marte's suspension begins immediately. The use of Nandrolone, an anabolic steroid, violates MLB's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.

"The Pittsburgh Pirates fully support MLB's Joint Drug Agreement, including the very tough penalties for violations of its prohibitions," Pirates president Frank Coonelly said in a statement. "We are disappointed that Starling put himself, his teammates and the organization in this position.

"We will continue to fight for the division title with the men who are here and will look forward to getting Starling back after the All-Star break."

Marte said the mistake wasn't intentional but occurred because he wasn't educated.

"I have been informed that I have tested positive in one of the tests that are regularly done in my job," Marte said in a statement. "In this very difficult moment I apologize to my family, the Pittsburgh Pirates, my teammates, my fans, and baseball in general.

"Neglect and lack of knowledge have led me to this mistake with the high price to pay of being away from the field that I enjoy and love so much. With much embarrassment and helplessness, I ask for forgiveness for unintentionally disrespecting so many people who have trusted in my work and have supported me so much.

"I promise to learn the lesson that this ordeal has left me. God bless you."

The 28-year-old Marte was batting .241 with two homers in 13 games this season. He made the National League All-Star team for the first time last season when he batted a career-best .311 and set a career high with 47 stolen bases. He also won a Gold Glove for the second straight season.

Marte has a .288 career average with 60 homers, 242 RBIs and 162 steals in parts of six major league seasons.