Fox Sports is reporting that Jesus Montero, currently with the Mariners’ AAA affiliate in Tacoma, is among 12 players who have been suspended for 50 games in connection with the Florida-based clinic, Biogenesis. Montero, who began the season as Seattle’s starting catcher, was optioned to the Rainiers May 21 after he hit .208 in 29 games.
Montero subsequently suffered an injury and spent eight games with Arizona in the rookie league while rehabbing. In 19 games with the Rainiers, Montero has hit .247 with one home run.
Also suspended, according to Fox Sports and The Associated Press:
- Detroit Tigers shortstop Jhonny Peralta
- Philadelphia Phillies reliever Antonio Bastardo
- San Diego Padres infielder Everth Cabrera and reliever Fautino de los Santos
- New York Yankees catcher Francisco Cervelli and outfielder Fernando Martinez
- Houston Astros reliever Sergio Escalona
- New York Mets infielder Jordany Valdespin and outfielder Cesar Puello.
- Free agent pitcher Jordan Norberto
Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez, a former Mariner, has not been listed among those players suspended in the Biogenesis cases but he is reportedly facing a 214-game ban.
2 Comments
Disappointing to be sure. In an ideal world Montero would be the full time catcher right now and well on his way to becoming the next Mike Piazza with Zunino still working his way thru the farm system. Hopefully this ongoing saga was a distraction for Montero and when he returns he can prove that he was worth it for the M’s to trade an All Star starting pitcher for.
It’ll be interesting to see what happens with ARod. He’s the first player I’ve heard of who actively recruited others to join in on his PED fun. Usually players do this on their own.
Is that Barry Bonds I hear laughing?