WASHINGTON -- Nationals catcher Raudy Read has been suspended for 80 games for violating Major League Baseball's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. Read tested positive for Boldenone, a performance-enhancing drug, and his suspension will take effect at the beginning of the 2018 regular season.
The suspension marks the first time a player on the Nationals' 40-man roster has been suspended for a performance-enhancing substance since the program began in 2005, although they have had a handful of Minor Leaguers suspended in the past.
"This is a very serious matter -- one that I do not take lightly," Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said in a statement.