Minnesota Twins' Ace Pitcher Gets Massive Suspension

MINNEAPOLIS — In an enormous blow to the Minnesota Twins' season, the team's ace pitcher has been suspended 60 games for using a banned substance. The suspension comes a day after Pineda had a season-high 10 strikeouts against the Cleveland Indians.

On Twitter, The Athletic reporter Dan Hayes notes that Hydrochlorothiazide is used to treat blood pressure, but it's also listed as a masking agent. Reporter Ken Rosenthal says Pineda could have received an 80 game suspension, but it was appealed down to 60.

Read Major League Baseball's statement on the decision below:

"The Office of the Commissioner of Baseball announced today that Minnesota Twins pitcher Michael Pineda has received a 60-game suspension without pay after testing positive for Hydrochlorothiazide, a Diuretic, in violation of Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program."

"The 60-game suspension of Pineda is effective immediately."

The Minnesota Twins issued the following statement on the incident:

"We were disappointed to learn of the suspension of Michael Pineda for violating Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. We fully support Major League Baseball’s policy and its efforts to eliminate banned substances from our game. Per the protocol outlined in the Joint Drug Program, the Minnesota Twins will not comment further on this matter."

The Twins lost to the Indians, 2-6 Friday night. They are now 87-54, and own a 5.5 game lead in the race for the American League Central Division.

Minnesota faces Cleveland again at home Saturday at 6:10 p.m.