Oakland Athletics pitcher Frankie Montas was in the midst of a breakout season, but that has come to a halt after a positive test for a banned substance.
Major League Baseball announced Friday that Montas has been suspended 80 games for PED use. Montas tested positive for ostarine, a drug used to increase stamina and increased fitness.
Oakland A's starter Frankie Montas has been suspended 80 games after testing positive for a banned substance, sources tell ESPN. This had been a breakout season for Montas, who is 9-2 with 2.70 ERA and 97 Ks vs. just 21 walks in 90 innings.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) June 21, 2019
Montas was suspended for testing positive for ostarine. The US Anti-Doping Agency in April suspended four UFC athletes for testing positive for ostarine.https://t.co/9nOJ7GpcyS
— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) June 21, 2019
Montas, a former Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers farmhand, was acquired by the Athletics three years ago in the trade that netted the Dodgers Rich Hill. He had been 9-2 this season with a 2.70 ERA, and was striking out over a batter an inning.
The suspension also means Montas will be ineligible to pitch in the postseason if the A’s, who currently sit 40-36, make it in 2019.
