Red Sox right-hander Steven Wright has been suspended 80 games, without pay, after testing positive for Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide 2 (GHRP-2), the league announced Wednesday. He’ll be placed on the restricted list — thus freeing a 40-man roster spot for the Red Sox — and miss the first half of the season. Wright will also be ineligible to participate in the 2019 postseason. The Red Sox organization has issued the following statement:
The Boston Red Sox fully support Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program and its efforts to eliminate performance-enhancing substances from the game. While we are disappointed by the news of this violation, we will look to provide the appropriate support to Steven at this time. Going forward, the club will not comment further on the matter.
This’ll be the second straight season in which Wright will be suspended for off-field actions, as he served a 15-game suspension under the league’s domestic abuse policy in 2018, as well. MassLive.com’s Chris Cotillo tweets that Wright tested positive in the offseason and appealed the suspension, though he only learned the result of his appeal last night.
Wright agreed to a $1.375MM salary for the 2019 campaign this winter, avoiding arbitration, and will forfeit approximately half of that sum as a result of the PED infraction. As is the case in virtually every PED suspension, Wright issued a statement via the MLBPA expressing bewilderment and claiming that he’s “never intentionally ingested anything for performance-enhancing purposes.”
The loss of Wright will further thin out a Red Sox bullpen that has already lost Joe Kelly to the Dodgers via free agency (three years, $25MM) and seems quite likely to go without yet-unsigned free agent Craig Kimbrel as well. Wright, a knuckleballer, worked to a stellar 2.68 ERA with 7.0 K/9 against 4.4 BB/9 in 53 2/3 innings of relief last season, though his season was shortened not only by the aforementioned domestic violence suspension but also a pair of DL stints pertaining to inflammation in his left knee.
Wright’s suspension will nominally nudge the Red Sox a bit further from the top luxury tax line — though by nowhere near enough that it’d prompt the team to make a significant bullpen expenditure. Boston sat roughly $4.7MM south of that $246MM barrier, so Wright’s suspension will push the team closer to $5.4MM shy of the top penalty bracket. Factoring in the tax they were paying on that salary, the suspension will cut about $980K, although they’ll of course have to replace Wright in the ’pen in some capacity — likely with a league-minimum earner.
ReverieDays
First domestic violence, then drugs. What a great guy.
Sk8rboi
A fat guy knuckle ball pitcher…are roids necessary? On a second note its not juve of him to take steroids with a DV history.
Brad Connelly
Probably took something to speed up his healing process not get jacked.
User 4245925809
Thoughts exactly. Same knee reconstruction as Pedroia and he didn’t make it long last year before having to sit out rest of the year again.
Some players think just want to play again, not become superstars with mammoth biceps.
iamoldboy
Exactly! He’s been having a hard time getting back.
pr0ject2501
Cheating is cheating.
pr0ject2501
So it’s ok for him to cheat?
maxim1
I guess they should be testing the crap out of Pedroia too then, huh? I mean, do the math: a Red Sux, on the DL with reconstructive surgery for 2019, rehabbing with Wright last year, desperate to get back to his ” All Star” form & teammate of the one & only juicer…..Ortiz.
Test the garden gnome daily & twice on Wednesday/Friday.
John Luke
You guys pretend like you wouldn’t even consider using PED’s if you were a fringe player. What would you have to lose? If you make it to the big leagues, you could end up making millions of dollars. Yeah, maybe you cheated, but at the end of the day, does anybody remember the washed up 30 year old who couldn’t crack the roster? I honestly can’t blame them too much.
Bernie's Dander
It would be great if Pedroia got popped for PED’s. Then the Sox would have an additional $7m of payroll to play with.
pr0ject2501
That’s why the penalty needs to be far greater.
groundhog5150
You can’t spell Pedroia without PED.
Just say’n.
Nymets572008
So It’s ok to hit women?
Nymets572008
Yes. In Massachussets pro athletes are allowed to cheat. Happens often in Foxboro actually.
Basebal101
Nymets…..good one!
stan lee the manly
You still need to pair a knuckle with a fastball
Sk8rboi
Wake threw 75..dont need a fb
stan lee the manly
He still threw a fastball, knuckleballers don’t throw knuckleballs and not a single other pitch. Imagine how much more effective you would be adding velocity to that fastball so it gets to the batter quicker. The difference in speeds would be devastating
jyosuckas
Wrong. See Niekro, Phil – Hall of Fame
jyosuckas
Also see Wilhelm, Hoyt – Hall of Fame
UGA_Steve
Must be a different Phil Neikro, because the one in the HoF threw plenty of fastballs. Even when he burned his finger he admitted he threw about 90% knucklers the next game because it didn’t touch the burned part. That would mean the 90% was more than the norm in his mind.
There probably aren’t stats on it, but I watched enough of his games to know he threw other pitches than the knuckler.
jyosuckas
You’re right, there’s zero stats to back up your opinion…. and it’s face that Wilhelm only threw knuckleballs.
thekid9
Love reading the comments from all the Johnny Superscouts.
whosurpapa
Farrell ruin this guy when he had him pinch run in NL game (when he was pitching the best in his career) and hurt his shoulder sliding into 2B…. never has been the same since..
I think that injury caused the stress at home and maybe forced him to consider PED to “get back” to where he was before his injury.
Shame!
VinScullysSon
Jeez, lotta blame placed on Farrell. Steven Wright must be just an unlucky saint.
bosoxDave
Farrell put him in a bad situation
The opposite of what a manager is to do
Bernie's Dander
Great memory on what Farrell did to this guy. Putting him in to run against the Dodgers ruined his career. Crazy turn of events.
maxim1
So it’s Ferrell’s fault he cheated? Seriously? Grow up!
Every player in the show would give their left but to get into the World Series. It’s called being a PROFESSIONAL ATHLETE. The Red Sux are more driven than most teams & expect more as an organization, especially from their pitchers.
Everyone knows the organization ruins their pitchers. The players still agree to wear the uniform & take Boston’s money. Ivan Boesky, stock trader, said (just before he went to prison in 1986 for false stock trading) “greed is alright” & athletes have taken that mantra to a new level.
bostonbob
Farrell was to blame for the reason states above. Boneheaded move to use him as a runner. Has NEVER been the same since. FACT
Nymets572008
So Farrell can also be suspended for wright assaulting his wife and also Farrell can be suspended for hgh use? Hell might as well blame Farrell for deflating footbals.
Nymets572008
No. Getting Injured does not llow you to assault your girlfriend then violate the leagues drug policy. Mickey Mantle played his whole career with bad knees and he didnt beat his wife or use hgh. Sandy Kofaux had debilitating arthritis in his pitching elbo andpitched 323 innings, had a 27–9 record, and a 1.73 ERA in his last season, 1966. And pitched 4 games in less than 2 weeks in the postsean that year. He too didnt hit his wife or use hgh.
yukongold
He did it to get healthier faster. He did it for the team & his teammates.
Ricky Adams
They all do it for the team. Just wanna win.
walls17
Is this Mejia’s doing?
DarkSide830
oddly enough the open 40-man spot might be taken by him.
spinach
But he would never take it knowingly. If he finds himself on the 40-man he will have no explanation for why and he will spend his time on the 40-man tirelessly trying to find out how he got on there.
SheltonMatthews
Love
nmendoza7
What an unlucky human being.
fundaysunday
We make our own luck…
puddles
Wouldn’t really call a DV suspension and doing HGH unlucky, but to each his own
AtlSoxFan
Makes you wonder, was the DV ifluenced by roid rage?
Nymets572008
Forget LuckI would argue him being a human being
ShieldF123
Yea definitely bad luck, not bad decisions.
Bet his mother is sitting at home screaming “He didn’t do ‘nuffin!”
pr0ject2501
Four. I count four. Four people didn’t get your joke and replied.
Matt_Angel_Bronco_Laker
Hahahaha!
Juicemane 2019
And about 30 likes too
Oxford Karma
He is one of about 5 guys in mlb who can’t throw 90. He had a domestic violence charge last year and still won a WS ring. I’d say he is one of the luckiest people!
joshua.barron1
Well that takes one person out of the closer competition lol
Yankeedynasty
So now they have to teach someone else how to put pine tar on a ball. What a tragedy
Michael Macaulay-Birks
Is that you michael Pineda?
callingoutdummies247
Is Michael Pineda available? He’s got some history with the pine tar
Solar Flare
No, because he is entrenched as one of Minnesota’s five starting pitchers.
Mark1024
Wtf how much enhancement do you need to throw a knuckle ball?
bballblk
So it’s 82 instead of 80 I guess
omalleyiv
Nah it wasn’t for the knuckball it was for his knuckle sandwich
FullMontilla
Can I get a second on knuckle-head?
sufferforsnakes
I’m gonna knuckle under on this one.
Strike Four
Players use PEDs primarily to be able to be healthy for a full 162 game season, because if they get hurt all the time then you will call them out for being injury prone and overrated. Such a maddeningly dumb circle of logic you perpetrate by caring about players using PEDs in the first place….
macstruts
Um…. NO!!!!
It’s hard to believe that anyone doesn’t realize the benefits of PEDs today.
The primary reason is not to stay healthy.
Cam
You seem confused. The old way of thinking was that PED’s were only to get big and strong – people today are realizing that isn’t always the case. There absolutely are people using it today to stay healthy.
Growth hormone stimulates muscle and tissue repair – critical for staying healthy.
deweybelongsinthehall
For the money they’re being paid, they have to be accountable yet that money is the temptation that gets them to think about cheating. Yes, regardless if the intent is bulk or healing, it’s cheating if it’s illegal (against the law and/or the rules).
apbadogs
Wrong. I remember reading something a few years back related to Bonds and he basically said that doing what he was doing helped him stay healthy, recover quicker from workouts and stay on the field. Sure, the bulking up will come as a result of being able to stay healthier, workout harder and recover quicker. Strike Four is correct.
Al Jab
Yeah, why blame the player
Oxford Karma
It would be a bad argument in the fall, when people are gassed. After 3 1/2 months off though, it’s a horrible one.
pr0ject2501
Soo ignore cheaters?
Pedro Cerrano's Voodoo
I imagine it was an ill-advised attempt to come back faster/stronger from that balky knee.
Nymets572008
R.A. Dickey did it with no ucl in his pitcing arm.
Yankeedynasty
I knew the REd Sox were cheating! You guys laughed at me for it, but look, i was right
cardsfan006
yes, we need to stop them
Yankeedynasty
Agreed
thegreatcerealfamine
Pleases just stop it.
kahnkobra
Wright used HGH for his bum knee, not the red sox
ellisburks
Yeah the Red Sox are cheating. They are the only ones. No Yankee ever used steroids *cough*ARod, Pettitte, Giambi, Clemens, Sheffield*cough*
AllRiseForTheJudge
Yep, typical Sox fan. Living in the past
ctguy
Always point the finger at the Yankees.
sheff86
Don’t forget Papi.
Scott B2
Yeah, like the defending World Series Champions should. In New York, they’re showing Yankees games on the History Channel because all the fans have is the past.
Strike Four
Says a guy who constantly talks about all the titles the Yankees won 80 years ago like it matters now “27 rings!!!”, instead of talking about how the Yankees have 1 title in the last 19 years lol
Mo Vaughn
Like every Yankees fan doesn’t do the same thing? “27 rings, 27 rings, 27 rings”
ellisburks
I don’t have to live in the past. Sox are defending World Series Champs.
Polish Hammer
That’s not fair!!! Andy only used once and to rehab an injury and Giambi apologized…for something, still don’t know what for.
Cam
Sox and Yankees fans bickering on here is flat out embarrassing.
luckyh
Typical delusional Yankee fan. They live in the past only when it suits them. The Sox are the reigning World Champs.
deweybelongsinthehall
Andybgot caught twice so he apologized twice. .
Steven Chinwood
Strike, your math is horrible. The Yanks have 2 titles in the last 19 years. I remember a couple of weeks ago you said the Yanks had only 1 in the last 20 years. Give it up…
TreyMancini
As an O’s fan it’s rather entertaining.
Although I do wanna point out that there’s zero evidence Ortiz used them, other than that he’s a big dude.
ColossusOfClout
Zero evidence? Yup, except he went from skinny to jacked up overnight, and the fact that he actually failed a PED test in 2003 Hmmmm
Yankeedynasty
Or Manny Ramirez
Yankeedynasty
Your math is blowing my mind
Yankeedynasty
Because they cheated. Did u read the above article, or did you scroll straight to the comments to fight Yankee fans like me
deweybelongsinthehall
Zero titles this decade.
deweybelongsinthehall
I’m as big a Sox fan as there is and there is no doubt in my mind Ortiz just stayed one step ahead. 2016 at age 40?
SoxPow
Don’t you guys all talk about you 27 rings?
SargentDownvote
TASTES GREAT
LESS FILLING
Solar Flare
Well, here’s the thing, realists, such as myself know that every team has had cheaters. So yeah, I am not afraid to admit that my Yankees have had players that have done it.
Yankeedynasty
But the Yankees did it in it steroid era, while Boston knows it is wrong and still does it.
Brewers39
It was wrong in the steroid era too.
Yankeedynasty
Clemens was more a Red Sock then a Yankee
luckyh
Steroid Clemens was post Red Sox. Look at his physical transformation.
mfm420
beacuase ortiz, manny, and schilling didn’t do roids, right?
unless of course you think a 34 year old pitcher with 2000 innings of meh under his belt just magically turns into an ace (if you do, our president has a bridge in nyc he’d be glad to sell you)
luckyh
Yes, they busted a guy who didn’t even make the playoff roster. Well done.
88winespodiodie
You knew nothing, jacka$$.
SargentDownvote
No No No Sir. You were “Wright.”
Oxford Karma
All the teams likely cheat, or try to gain an edge. From sign stealing to draft shortcuts to tipping off players of a test, it will always be there. I’d guess they all have at least one player suspended for PED’s in their organization as well. People will try to cheat at anything competitive if there’s no one to police them.
HubcapDiamondStarHalo
And beyond competitive, when there’s a LOT of money involved…
hankwilliamsfan1986
funny how aroid was caught more than once for one, lets not forget mr pinetar pineada and all the players named it the mitchell report.. yankees define cheating
Koamalu
Wright was coming off an injury filled couple of seasons and he started just 4 games last year. He cheated. A desperate 34 year old hoping to get back to playing. The Red Sox didn’t cheat.
southern lion
Wright made a wrong!!
brewcat
Or two wrong make a Wright.
brewcat
*wrongs
SargentDownvote
Please leave Kolten Wong out of this.
Old User Name
Three rights make a left.
pasha2k
Will they ever learn? Didn’t he have anger issues last yr?
CalcetinesBlancos
There’s a Wright way and a right way to do things.
Ully
nicely done
CalcetinesBlancos
I do apologize for the cheese.
yamsi1912
What a terrible person.
SargentDownvote
I am likely to agree, however, perfection has never been my strong suit.
Comrade Tipsy McStagger
We should just line him up against a wall and shame him to death. And if one Red Sox is using, they all are. And if they all are, all the Yankees must be using too. Because when the Red Sox do something to get ahead, the Yankees do as well. That solves it — any good fortune of the Yankees and Red Sox is illegitimate.
aj_54
Yeah! we want blood!
stymeedone
And Tampa wins the Division!
pasha2k
You’re funny!
bastros88
he has a great knuckleball, maybe it’d be nice to actually see it once in a while.
BrianLow
Any chance they make a run at Dallas Kuechle? Swoop in and steal him from the Brewers.
ellisburks
Sign a starter to replace a long reliever/middle reliever? Why would they do that?
disadvantage
Yes, the only thing between the Sox and Dallas Keuchel was Steven Wright.
dray16
The Brewers?
dan-9
PEDs aren’t going away. The problem is that for fringe players who haven’t hit their big payday yet, the incentive for taking steroids is still greater than the penalty for getting caught.
There are several possible solutions. One is to make the penalties substantially tougher, such as a lifetime ban for a first offense (though that comes with its own array of issues). Another is to raise salaries for minor leaguers as well as the minimum major league pay, thus lessening the incentive to take steroids (which wouldn’t completely solve the problem, but would help, and I believe should be done anyway). A third solution is just to improve the procedures and accuracy of testing to the point that it becomes commonly accepted among players that it is impossible to cheat without getting caught. Unfortunately I doubt that last solution will realistically happen any time soon.
Comrade Tipsy McStagger
I like that you are thinking about these things. I don’t think tougher penalties is a good idea. They are already pretty draconian. People make mistakes and shouldn’t be held accountable for their whole life. Plus false positives can happen, or honest to god question marks of how a player has something in their system. And players are young, hungry, desperate, and dumb at times. Players are human. And, if caught, they already miss a half a season after one offense (and cannot make a playoff roster). A second offense is a whole season. The third offense is a lifetime. Is there another sport that is more draconian?
The idea of better pay in the minors might be worth looking into. I don’t see it as much of a deterrent as minor leaguers do it to get get paid as a major leaguer. Even one season at minimum pay on a MLB roster can be more than many of the players would ever see in a lifetime.
I also think that the whole steroids thing is overblown today. Yeah, it is there. But if we look at the players now, and compare them to how they looked in the 90s and 2000s, I think it is quite clear that it is much less an issue than it used to be.
pr0ject2501
The man is a cheater and woman beater. Kick him out of Baseball.
Pedro Cerrano's Voodoo
Not defending the man or his actions but he never hit anyone. It was a verbal dispute.
pr0ject2501
Well put and thank you for pointing that out. That is a huge difference.
pasha2k
Your last solution IS the BEST!
newtzb0ss
Can I Get an F In the chat for the Red Sox Bullpen.
MLB predicting 90 wins is looking more and more plausible
TeddyBallgameYazJimEd
Who ever predicted 90 wins forgot the regular season dosen’t end August 31st..it ends September29th
pasha2k
They all picked the Evil Empire last yr, n how did that turn out? I think Tampa is going to be a force, as it Toronto. The season is long anything can happen. I’m just praying Nate has the year I hope he will n all the others will follow. They have 5 top starters, just hoping no one gets injured. If I were an Evil Empire fan I would be very nervous about CC n Severino .
Steele91
I mean, the Yankees won 100 games – usually that’s enough to win any division: not exactly an awful prediction.
The Rays may be good but the blue jays being a “force”? Lol.
5 too starts is a quite the reach. CC was behind due to the angioplasty but he’s fine otherwise and he’s been pretty good the last few seasons, even as a shorter start guy now. And luckily, severino’s MRI showed no damage and he will be shut down a few weeks – not really the time to freak out. The Paxton trade gives them another great pitcher for the top of the rotation as well.
hankwilliamsfan1986
they won 100 games because of hitting
jbigz12
I’m suspecting Steven Wright didn’t have much effect on their win total. Before or after.
Ully
Maybe HGH helps the finger nails grow stronger for the knuckle ball?
Solar Flare
Or maybe it helps him throw the first ever 90 mile per hour knuckleball, besting R.A. Dickey, who was capable of throwing knuckleballs in the low 80s, which is unbelievable.
TooToughToScuffle
The Barry Bonds of Butterfly Balls
marlinsfan
this one is semi shocking
Gene325
If he’s been using something akin to HGH it’s probably simply to expedite his injury recovery process. Recall he’s been injured for most of the past two seasons. He’s certainly not using whatever he’s been taking to improve his muscle tone, which is practically nonexistent. If you ran into him on the street you’d probably never guess that he’s a pro athlete.
pr0ject2501
So that makes it ok to cheat?
throwinched10
Domestic violence and PED suspension…just send this fat clown to the Independent Leagues!
AllRiseForTheJudge
DV and PEDs. Sounds like the former is a case if roid rage, someone stop him before he Chris Benoits his family
Cam
You’ve been watching way too much Fox News. That wasn’t steroid-induced.
mikevm3
Well then… who’s left in the market?
Chris Giarraputo
It’s not HGH or even close….Idiot…. that PED does nothing. It’s a poor mans hgh and is a “Research Chemical”. Not used in humans. I Used it b4 years Ago. U need to inject it multiple times a day, needs refrigeration…Waste of $. These athletes can get real good peds but- what he got can be ordered online from Chinese companies who make it and you have no clue if it’s legit, dangerous, proper dose…ect. It’s black market stuff untested in humans not fda approved.
stymeedone
And he took it “accidentally”.
canocorn
But Your Honor, … My client merely FOUND the Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide and was on his way to the police station to turn it in!
deweybelongsinthehall
You don’t know. My guess is one of his rehab professionals didn’t tell what was really being administered and he got burned. He’s still responsible but why else would he have tried this? Makes no sense unless he’s dumber than Pineda having pine tar on his neck in a nationally televised game (that still amazes me how no teammate or coach told him to remove it).
ctguy
My guess is he knew exactly what was being administered. No excuses, he got caught just like other cheaters have.
deweybelongsinthehall
If he knew, perhaps his knee wasn’t responding and thus was a last hope.
deweybelongsinthehall
Shocked but should we be surprised? Regardless of the substance or how it got there outside of a bad joke or mislabeling of a product, for the money athletes make, they have to be accountable for what goes into their bodies.
Solar Flare
If a guy such as Dee Gordon, a little player has done it, I don’t think we should be surprised of any player getting caught for PEDs.
pr0ject2501
Yes. Accountable. And much harsher penalties.
mark0817
Forgive me for the ignorance and I’m legit not trolling but just being devils advocate. What’s the huge deal about PED’s? It’s clearly not going away since every season at least one player is caught doing them but they all claim to not know how they got into their bodies. If there was a magical compression sleeve that let any pitcher throw the ball 10mph faster and was available to every player would the sleeve be banned because it “enhances” performance? I can take steroids all day long and never be able to throw a ball 95mph or hit one 400+ feet so i guess what I’m saying is if the MLB just told the players it’s their choice what they put into their bodies and any player could use whatever it wouldn’t really be an unfair advantage if it’s available to all so why not squash their PED rule and get asses back in seats like in the hay day of rampant use?
Chris Giarraputo
I feel as do many sports writers that they should be used for injuries under MD care. They work- real peds- not the fake meat head taking substance guts ego can’t pay $500 -$1000 a month for actual HGH.
Im on TRT and it has changed my life.RX, doctors care, blood work..ect
macstruts
My best against your best. It’s not my best against your chemically enhanced best.
I shouldn’t have to risk years of my life taking unhealthy drugs just to compete with you.
If these were healthy supplements, I might feel different. They are not.
1. Increased Cholesterol Levels
2. Liver Damage
3. Mood Swings or Aggressive Behavior
4. Irregular Heartbeats and Other Heart Problems
5. Mood Swings
6. Hypertension
Cam
So if the PED’s improve and the side effects are significantly reduced, it’s okay then?
deweybelongsinthehall
Depends. Is the substance legal to possess, administer, sell, but etc. in the U.S.? Can you get a prescription and is thr medication approved by the FDA for thus purpose? Just a couple of many questions. 5 Hour Energy and similar products have replaced greenies. Who knows about tomorrow? When McGuire got caught with Andro, it was available OTC.
ffrhb14Sox
If by reduced you mean proven to have no side effects, I guess. Nobody should have to take anything with any side effects because others cant compete naturally.
stymeedone
I would think allowing it use could put the league open to liability claims for any adverse affects. I’m sure MLB has watched the NFL and their lawsuits.
Chris Giarraputo
Sox are toast now. No Kimbrel or a real bullpen. And a shaky Sale, Eovoldi who with price is a wild card. The new evil empires huge spending bought them a WS, but a repeat? Yeah right. Not now. They will now spend more $, maybe take Dallas for 3-4 years. Or 2 if they are lucky. And he will get killed in AL east
ffrhb14Sox
Boston will be just fine, they have a much better rotation than NY (unless all your hopes about everyone struggling or being injured comes true) so they dont need the strength of NYs pen who will carry a heavier load. Sox lineup is better except for power so they manufacture more runs than NY. Defensive edge goes to Boston. Both will wina lot of games in 2019.
deweybelongsinthehall
They’re not getting Keichel. They still have as good 1-5 as there is but Wright was their security blanket as much of the rotation has past health issues.
ffrhb14Sox
Still have Johnson and Velazquez. I also think they have a few arms they could let hold the 5th spot for a bit in the minors if needed.
One Bite Hotdog
Roid Rage
Chris Giarraputo
It’s not a steroid. Peds are not all steroids. Androgenic/anabolic chemicals are steroids. Testosterone. This item helps “on paper with nice” to flush the body with GH pulse. It needs to be used 3-5x a day. More the better and for 4-6+ months min. U need to time with sleep, good, training. U just don’t take by accident and it’s a waste of $.
luckyh
Whatever he is using, he’s not using it right. He is a doughboy who can’t stay healthy.
deweybelongsinthehall
He’s done something right, coming out of nowhere (traded to Boston from Cleveland for Lars Anderson) to have more money in the bank at his age than most of the readers here. That said, last year he got a pass. Regardless of the reason, he gets no pass from me thus year.
Solar Flare
Yeah, but it’s still cheating, though.
DarkSide830
explains the 2016 season
Chris Giarraputo
he’s “never intentionally ingested anything for performance
It’s an Injectable only drug moron!!! Give him a full year for Lying. You need 3+ shots a day. Plus u usually stack with other type chems. This is not a pill, cannot be in whey protein as it needs refrigeration or it loses potency. Google will show this.
muskie73
Given his health problems, Steven Wright likely received medically approved injections.
Wright may or may not have known the specific identity of each substance injected.
Wright could be an outright knowing cheater … or not.
rocky7
As a Pro athlete, if he allowed somebody…anybody….even Red Sox approved personal to intentionally give him injections and not know what was in the injection…..than he’s dumber then we all thought or just lying outright!
muskie73
How does one KNOW what is in each injection? How does a person make that definitive determination?
deweybelongsinthehall
Agree with both comments above.
luckyh
No, he is a cheater. It is on him, no one else. It is up to him to know what he is putting in his body and should be team approved.
stymeedone
Team Docs can make mistakes, too. Whose to say it wasnt team approved?
HubcapDiamondStarHalo
You’re really, really, really, really reaching here…
luckyh
Isn’t that what the investigation is for?
Jockstrapper
Idiot.
Gocubsgo1986
Why is a knuckleballer juicing? Trying to get that knuckleball into the 80’s
Monkey’s Uncle
*insert joke here about why a knuckleballer would PEDs*
rycm131
I knew that knuckleball looked suspicious.
mike156
Just dumb. What “enhancement” was he looking for? He had an assured spot on the roster, although he’s not highly paid by baseball standards, that’s intrinsically a lot of money, and, if the reason he used was because he’s injured….just go on the DL. Sox aren not cutting cheap, competent bullpen help
ShieldF123
Maybe he used to room with Chavis….
Jeff Zanghi
Unless it really was an honest mistake (which I doubt) what a stupid f-ing thing for him to do… like c’mon he’s a knuckleball pitcher it wasn’t going to help his performance and risking the 80-game suspension “prevent” his knee from giving out again is just plain stupid… go on the DL for a couple weeks IF that happened again. what a moronic thing to do… and very costly for the Red Sox already paper-thin bullpen. This guy is obviously a moron (domestic violence now this) despite his effectiveness when pitching he’s obviously just not worth it anymore. what a waste!
Nnnjjjjjhhjj
Maybe he should have gotten his supply from Ortiz?
tigerdoc616
Apparently, Dombrowski learned nothing from his time in Detroit. We had some really good teams, especially in 2013. What we did not have, that Boston did, was a bullpen. That was the difference in that series and our main Achilles heel. Now he is set to ride things out with a ton of bullpen questions. This situation with Wright only compounds the problem.
AtlSoxFan
Not true. Ortiz was the difference maker. You remove him, Tigers go to the WS. Lots of close games the entire sox roster was near the mendoza live, and Papi put up video game numbers carrying the whole team on his back.
Robertowannabe
Yeah he didn’t tell his personal trainer what to put into supplements. He also never asked what was in the supplements. The old wink wink nod nod type of thing….. That being said, why would a knuckleballer want to use anything that would make him stronger. I always thought you did not want more strength behind that pitch. Maybe he was trying to heal an injury faster?
Jason C.
he throws a knuckleball FFS, I almost believe him because the knuckle is such a specialized pitch with low arm stress that PEDs aren’t needed for endurance or increased velocity. regardless the sox need to shore up the pen. hell, theyre good bullpen away from a good shot at repeating. offer kimbrel 1/18-20 mm and go from there
megaj
I haven’t been on in awhile, I see MLBTR has gone full liberal now with the removal of the thumbs down option lol.
basquiat
You probably missed all the down votes for the obituaries that ran here. That was probably the last straw.
Bruin1012
Who cares what other people think? Never looked at a downvote in my like and could care less. Now having a decent argument with someone of the decent Yankee fans that’s all good fun. The season is about to start again enjoyed the Sox 2018 victory now it’s time to gear for 2019 baseball is back.
Bruin1012
“Life”
Steve Adams
I cannot fathom being so consumed with partisanship that something as trivial as forum functionality is tied to political viewpoint.
We’ve had people complaining about it for months and people creating multiple accounts to habitually downvote everything from users they dislike (because, apparently, some people have more free time than I could possibly imagine).
We asked ourselves, “Does downvoting really add to the user experience all that much?” The answer was no, and the feature was removed.
It must be exhausting to have to look at everything as politically fueled, but hey — you do you.
22Leo
That is a cop-out. If you are going to remove dislikes, remove likes as well. At least that would force people to respond rather than just click if they want to voice an opinion. You guys are mainly concerned with clicks, though.
captainsalty
Knuckleballers know how to party
cincinnatikid
Kimbrel to Boston 3 years for 60 million to close. Reds have some extra arms in Matt Wisler, Brandon Finnegan,Robert Stephenson and Cody Reed that could be acquired for a fairly low cost. Maybe a Will Smith from San Francisco or a Dan Straily from Miami for a minor league player or 2
rocky7
Kimbrel is not taking crumbs as a contract to return to the Red Sox and what you are proposing, while any sane person in the real world would consider this a kings ransom….the modern day ballplayer doesn’t….its always about the money…\
Just wait for Sale to push them against the wall also….all you hear about is Red Sox fans thinking all their “special talent” is going to take it in the keister just to play ball near Harvard Yard while Sweet Caroline plays over the loudspeakers…..the modern day athlete will sign with the highest bidder or whoever offers the largest contract regardless of whether your talking Yankees, Red Sox, Astros etc.
SG
He was unlikely to make the starting roster anyway.
His MLB career is likely over after this fiasco.
manos
Take PEDs – 80 game suspension. Beat your wife – 10 games. Shows where the MLBs priorities are at. This guy is a loser, through and through.
pr0ject2501
Blackball this kid.
Dorothy_Mantooth
Boston STRONG
Equinsu Ocha
Clearly, he’s taking it to expedite his healing process. guys with dad bods aren’t trying to get jacked. I’m just surprised that a guy with his history, is willing to take a banned substance when there are so many legitimate ways to handle the issue. He has the finest medical care available to handle his issue. Just wow
gomerhodge71
If I had to name the “bad boy” of the Red Sox, the name Steven Wright wouldn’t have been my first choice.
someoldguy
I wonder if the MLB warns its players like the NFL about eating meat from countries like Mexico: Yes eating the wrong food shows up as a positive for HGH and steroids and the Leagues know this.. but better a 1000 innocent punished rather than 1 guilty guy goes free..
espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/15454487/nfl-warns-eating-…
stymeedone
I’m sure the millionaires are buying the cheap cuts of meat.
SG
Maybe Wright ate the Wrong meat from Mexico? Pork … LOL
Comiste demasiado cerdo y ahora hueles como un cerdo con esteroides
someoldguy
its science: eating the wrong stuff can give you a false test.. see the ESPN story… and don’t tell me you know what you are eating.. unless you grew it canned it you have no clue what is in the meat you eat..
SG
So are you saying MLB and each teams trainer doen’t know this about eating “the wrong stuff”?
Don’t get your point?
If ESPN knows this then why doesn’t the MLB, every team and every player?
You’re kidding right?
someoldguy
The NFL told its players. Its real. its science. And I doubt that the MLB feeds it players in the offseason and for that matter I’m sure they go out to restaurants to eat. As far as the MLB: they don’t care and apparently haven’t told their players like the NFL did.
22Leo
Stop telling people what they do and don’t know. Not everyone is some rambling old idiot. In fact, just stop talking.
someoldguy
I’m sure when you look in the mirror you become an expert on the subject of your post..What you don’t like facts. Its a fact; false tests from meat consumption acknowledged by the NFL.
Col. Taylor
Darn, I know he was cheating but I would Love to see a 95 mph knuckleball…
Doug
Because when you think of probable ‘roiders on the BoSox, you think first of….Steven Wright???
someoldguy
I’m sure you have no clue what you are eating and where it came from, just like everyone else… and it doesn’t matter where they ate at.. stop for fast food on the road.. McDonalds and the rest have sold horse meat and kangaroo.. and probably still are.. what is in that burrito at that fancy mexican restaurant.. or that Gyro from the greek place..???
Mrtwotone
Didn’t make the wright decision…
TooToughToScuffle
Pls Dave sign a free agent reliever who can throw below 4.00 ERA for the season.
longpantslo
HgH are not steroids. They are completely legal with a prescription. ask Barry bonds about taking hGh by accident lols
canocorn
I have a map of the United States.
It’s actual-size.
— The Original Steven Wright
Also:
Everywhere is walking distance if you have the time.
There’s a fine line between fishing and just standing on the shore like an idiot.
You can’t have everything. Where would you put it?
I was walking down the street wearing glasses when the prescription ran out.
I intend to live forever. So far, so good.
Curiosity killed the cat, but for a while I was a suspect.
Last night I stayed up late playing poker with Tarot cards. I got a full house and four people died.
A lot of people are afraid of heights. Not me, I’m afraid of widths.
It’s a small world, but I wouldn’t want to have to paint it.
I went to a restaurant that serves “breakfast at any time”. So I ordered French Toast during the Renaissance.
Monkey’s Uncle
My personal fave:
“I have a friend who’s a radio disc jockey. Anytime we walk under a bridge or drive through a tunnel, I can’t understand what he’s saying.”
HubcapDiamondStarHalo
Mine: “I have a friend who drives a truck that delivers cars to dealerships. He got stopped for speeding. The cop gave him eight tickets.”
shane
Stay classy, Boston
Corazon5
Oh come on, PED suspensions happen to players on every team. Boston are no worse than any other organisation.
jimmertee
Enough is enough. Let’s legalize HGH for MLB injury situations. Keep steroids and masking agents illegal.
SargentDownvote
Children of all ages! Bored Grandparents!! Women seeking a part-time job!!!
A very famous Boston baseball team is seeking a knuckleball pitcher. No experience necessary and the right candidate can learn on the job.
Try-outs in the Fenway parking lot this Sunday.
Must not have a prior DUI and must have a perfect credit score.
queensburykid
There maybe sliver lining here. DD may make a deal to help the bullpen. His strategy seems to wait to get a rental at the Trade deadline. He got Pierce, Nathan, and Gorky.
I think he should have skipped Nathan using Johnson, Velezquez, and some AAA starters for the fifth starter. I liked the Gorky signing as a possible bargain. David Robertson would have a nice signing.
yankista
Is that new??? We all know the RedSucks ONLY win under “influence”!! (Btw… say hi to Big P)
Dan Miller
LOL, a Yankees fan talking about juicers? That’s rich.
22Leo
Steven Wright? More like Steven Wrong! Am I right? Or am I right? Put ‘er there, pilgrims!
Guest617
surprisingly the new contract can’t be voided
jh8913
Red Sox are really the best man, racism and drugs
rmullig2
Probably has nothing at all to do with baseball. I’m sure he was used to knocking out his wife with one punch. Then one day he needs a three punch combo to send her to the floor. Must have really shaken his confidence.
He doesn’t have to worry when he gets back. I’m sure the fans that worship Jared Remy won’t judge him too harshly.
Equinsu Ocha
I can’t decide what’s worse, your grammar or your take. We get it he’s a scumbag. No one here is defending his sterling reputation.
baseballdad37
Wow
Bruin1012
Wow is right some of the comments on here are crazy. The guy is probably not going to play again his knee is toast it appears and yes it’s against the rules and he deserves his 80 game suspension. His DV from all accounts was an argument where police were called so someone is going to jail. The suspension he received was 15 games and all parties said no one was physically abused. Talking about the guy like he is Ray Rice is stupid and irresponsible especially when the evidence suggests that is just not the case and he did not strike his wife. The guy has made a mistake he was seeing his career going away and he made a bad choice that is all.
jd396
The non-denial denial always cracks me up.
zachgwest
I’m going to put something in another Red Sox players drink so the Dodgers win the World Series
AtlSoxFan
Mejia joins bullpen hopefuls in ST.
Another member of bullpen goes down for steroids.
Coincidence?
ncbravesfan95
Guess him and Edelman have the same doctor but the state of New England sports if they aint cheating they ain’t trying
SG
So only NE players take PED’s?
WOW …. that’s a cheap shot. I don’t think so.
It’s called “It’ may be worth the risk if I don’t get caught”.
The likely reason it happens more in cities like Boston/NY/LA is that they frequently have bigger markets and can pay their players more.
So the risk reward is greater in bigger sports markets.
And players balance taking that risk for big market money.
canocorn
It’s not cheating if you feel entitled to win, and don’t get caught. Wright is halfway home.
Solar Flare
Just like it’s not a lie if you believe it.
Dan Miller
You people love to throw darts at teams that you don’t like but can’t beat, don’t you? Sure, there are people in NE that have juiced. But every team has guys that have done it and still do it. I hate to p!ss on your parade, but your favorite team has guys that have juiced too, except, that is, in your fantasy land.
Solar Flare
Exactly
Dodgerfan34
Who would have thought this guy was so GANGSTA!
chip1017
Boston has a knack for cheating
Dan Miller
Here come you Sox haters, Chip. Like the Red Sox are the only team that ever had a guy that was juicing? What is your favorite team? I guarantee they have multiple guys that have used steroids.
Dan Miller
The Red Sox will probably be better off without Wright than they would with him. I don’t know why any team would want a pitcher who has no better idea than anyone else where his pitch was going. I don’ tknow why a catcher would want to catch a knuckleballer either, but at least they don’t have to give the pitcher a target; it’s not like they can aim the ball.
iains 2
Now if MLB was really interested in cleaning up PEDs in baseball, they would penalize the team for having a player test positive. For instance the team should have to pay out the salary of the suspended player but have it go to a charity. As things stand they don’t lose mon, just the services of a guy who may be replaceable.
SmokieLink
The Devil Rays don’t have a juicer! By the way, bleachers at Tropicana Field have great sightlines, and an easy stroll to the margarita stand. Tropicana is great. It’s the Fenway of Domes.
kelticknotz
It will be interesting to see how Boston handles this issue. If Wright was playing for the Jays either the DV suspension or the PED suspension would get you a ticket out of town to anyone willing to offer almost anything.
While I don’t agree with the Jays holiier then thou attitude you can’t have a player that is now basically useless to the team two seasons in a row.