 | |
| (Photo Source: MiLB.com) |
The injury comes at a very bad time for the 19-year old, having just finished serving a 50 game suspension he received last year for testing positive for the performance enhancing substance, Oxilofrine.
Kopech released the following statement on MiLB.com following the suspension:
"I would like to start by apologizing to all of baseball, baseball fans, and specifically the Red Sox and Red Sox fan base. I respect the game as much, if not more than, anyone else. With that being said, I never have and never will intentionally cheat the game that has been so great to me. I haven't bought any supplements that aren't NSF certified for sport. Therefore, I know I have not bought a supplement containing this drug. I have never heard of Oxilofrine, honestly. Apparently, it is a drug that many people use for weight loss. I have been trying to gain weight since I signed with the Red Sox. I do understand this is also a stimulant. This drug would have no positive outcome for me and that's why I chose to appeal. I realized I didn't have much evidence to prove that I'm innocent, but I didn't have any understanding of how I could have failed a test. I respect the system and understand why they have to be so careful with the testing. I also understand why that means my suspension couldn't have been overturned without proper evidence. I have 50 games to get to work and better myself and as a ball player. Next season I'll be better than ever. Drug free."
The Boston Red Sox drafted Kopech in the first round of the 2014 draft. In 24 career minor league games (23 starts), Kopech has a 2.97 ERA with 86 strikeouts and 36 walks over 78.2 innings.
No comments:
Post a Comment