The Astros pitching staff took another hit before Saturday’s game against the New York Yankees as David Paulino was suspended 80 games by Major League Baseball after testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug.
Paulino will not appeal his suspension, which effectively ends his season. The 23-year old righthander tested positive for Boldenone and the ban was effective starting on Saturday.
Paulino was 2-0 with a 6.52 ERA with the Astros in his six starts. This is just the latest blow to the Astros rotation as they’ve lost Dallas Keuchel and Colin McHugh to injuries until possibly after the All-Star Break.
“We are disappointed in the news today regarding David Paulino” Astros General Manager Jeff Luhnow said in a statement. “We hope this is a one-time incident and something David can learn from as he continues his career. The Astros will continue to fully support Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.”
-Clint Domingu