NEW YORK — Free agent outfielder Max Kepler was suspended for 80 games Friday following a positive test for a banned performance-enhancing substance in violation of Major League Baseball’s anti-doping program.
Kepler tested positive for Epitrenbolone, a substance that led to a 2018 suspension of boxer Manuel Charr. The following year, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency announced that a positive test for the substance had led to the disqualification of 90-year-old cyclist Carl Grove from the world record he set at the 2018 Masters Track National Championship.
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Epitrenbolone is a metabolite of trenbolone, found in some products used in bodybuilding stores and used in products intended to promote growth in livestock. Kepler is the first player suspended by MLB for the substance since details of the sanction began to be publicly announced in 2005.
There was no immediate comment from the players’ association or his agency.
Kepler agreed to the suspension without challenging the disciplinary action in a grievance, a person familiar with the process told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because that detail has not been announced.
Kepler, who turns 33 next month, is an 11-year major league veteran who spent last season with the Philadelphia Phillies after playing his first 10 seasons with the Minnesota Twins. He became a free agent after the World Series.
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Fourteen players were suspended last year for positive tests, including two within the major league program. Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar was banned for 80 games on March 31 and Philadelphia Phillies closer José Alvarado for 80 games on May 25.
Even though Kepler does not have a contract on Opening Day in March, MLB and the union generally allow a suspended free agent to serve his sentence as long as he tries to reach an agreement with teams.
Kepler hit .216 with 18 homers and 52 RBIs last year after agreeing to a one-year contract worth $10 million. He was slowed in 2024 by left patellar tendinitis and underwent surgery after the season to repair a sports hernia.
Kepler grew up in Germany and signed with the Twins at age 16 in 2009. He has a .235 average with 179 home runs and 560 RBIs during his big league career.
