Major League Baseball introduced Tuesday that Orioles pitcher Matt Harvey has been suspended 60 video games with out pay for violating the league’s joint drug prevention and remedy program.
The suspension, retroactive to April 29, is for “participating in the distribution of a prohibited drug of abuse,” which got here to gentle throughout Harvey’s testimony within the February trial of former Los Angeles Angels worker Eric Kay for the loss of life of Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs.
Kay was discovered responsible of two felony counts and faces a minimal of 20 years in jail for distributing medicine to Skaggs, which led to the Angels pitcher’s overdose loss of life in 2019. Sentencing is scheduled for June 28, in line with ESPN.
Harvey, 33, was among the many gamers who testified they obtained oxycodone capsules from Kay whereas with the Angels, although Harvey additionally acknowledged that he had given oxycodone to Skaggs and used cocaine throughout his profession.
At the trial, Harvey, who spent final season with Baltimore, stated he believed his testimony would threaten his profession.
MLB stated in February that it might conduct a assessment of the matter after the trial was accomplished, and it was reported a suspension was a risk. In April, the Orioles signed Harvey to a minor league deal, with govt vice chairman and basic supervisor Mike Elias acknowledging that Harvey was in a “very unique situation.”
“Obviously, he’s in the situation he’s in right now because of off-the-field things,” Elias stated final month. “But getting to know him last year, understanding his approach to what’s gone on, our point of view is that this was something that shouldn’t prevent him from having another chance with this organization, especially with the way he conducted himself last year.”
A right-hander who began the 2013 All-Star Game and starred for the New York Mets earlier than spending time with the Cincinnati Reds, Kansas City Royals and Angels, Harvey had a 6.27 ERA in 28 begins for the Orioles in 2021 after signing a minor league take care of them in spring coaching. Harvey had been pitching in prolonged spring coaching video games in Florida.
“We support all aspects of MLB’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program and their ruling in this particular case,” Elias stated in an announcement Tuesday. “I am glad that Matt now has the opportunity to put this part of his past behind him and pursue another shot with our organization after serving his suspension.”
Vespi, Gillaspie known as up for first time
Before the Orioles’ second sport of their collection in opposition to the New York Yankees, they shuffled their bullpen.
Baltimore recalled right-hander Logan Gillaspie and chosen left-hander Nick Vespi’s contract from Triple-A Norfolk. To create roster spots, the Orioles optioned infielder Rylan Bannon and designated left-hander Logan Allen for task.
Gillaspie, 25, was added to the Orioles’ 40-man roster this offseason after signing with Baltimore in June. He started his skilled profession in unbiased leagues, taking part in catcher, first base and shortstop along with pitching, earlier than signing with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2019. In 9 outings between Double-A and Triple-A this yr, Gillaspie had a 3.14 ERA.
Although they selected to guard Gillaspie from being uncovered within the Rule 5 draft, the Orioles didn’t safe Vespi, an 18th-round decide in 2015. But due to the league’s 99-day lockout, the Rule 5 draft was canceled and Vespi remained with the group. He didn’t permit an earned run over 14 1/3 innings with Triple-A Norfolk, placing out 21 batters.
“I’ve been working on this day since 2015, so I’m excited that it’s finally here,” Vespi stated. “Right now, I’m still a little numb.”
Added supervisor Brandon Hyde: “He’s pitching lights-out in Norfolk. … It’s nice to see somebody who’s gone down and really dominated a level and really earned his way here.”
One of 5 gamers Baltimore obtained from the Los Angeles Dodgers in return for Manny Machado in 2018, Bannon, 26, went 2-for-14 in his first main league stint. Allen, 24, made three appearances for the Orioles after they claimed him on waivers from Cleveland about two weeks in the past, permitting three runs in 1 2/3 innings.
Around the horn
- Left-hander John Means was in Baltimore on Tuesday for the primary time since present process Tommy John surgical procedure final month, stopping by the Orioles’ clubhouse and saying whats up to teammates.
- First baseman Ryan Mountcastle (left wrist forearm pressure) hopes to return off the 10-day injured listing when first eligible this weekend.
- Outfielder Austin Hays was within the Orioles’ lineup for the primary time since struggling extreme cuts on his left hand when diving into first base Thursday. Shortstop Jorge Mateo, coping with sore ribs after a collision with Detroit first baseman Spencer Torkelson on Sunday, gained’t begin till Wednesday on the earliest, Hyde stated.
- Right-hander Dean Kremer (strained left indirect) will begin Wednesday for Double-A Bowie to start a rehab task. The Orioles hope to construct him as much as pitch a number of innings. “It’s going to take a while,” Hyde stated.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com