If Marlon Byrd wants to play in the big leagues again this year, he’ll now have to wait until August 20th to do. The reason why is that MLB has announced that Byrd was suspended 50 games for testing positive for a banned substance.
That banned substance is reportedly Tamoxifen.
According to the National Cancer Institute, Tamoxifen is used to block the production of estrogen in breast cancer patients. It can also be used during cycles of steroids, hence why it’s banned by MLB.
Byrd, who was designated for assignment by the Red Sox earlier this month, is currently a free agent. Since no one picked him up during waivers, the Red Sox are currently paying the remaining $6.5 million on his contract. But with the suspension for 50 games, the Red Sox will save a little money.
He was acquired from the Chicago Cubs on April 21st for Michael Bowden and a player to be named later who turned out to be Hunter Cervenka.
After starting out the season 3-for-43 with the Cubbies, Byrd hit .270 (27-for-100) with one home run and seven RBIs in 34 games for the local nine.
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