The San Francisco Giants got their lineup together in a spot where all the main guys were finally healthy for what seemed like a matter of minutes. Then Melky Cabrera went and failed a drug test.
Cabrera has been one of San Francisco's best hitters all season, putting up splits of a .346 batting average, .390 OBP and .516 OPS while hitting 11 home runs and 60 RBIs for the Giants. San Francisco's power hitting figures to greatly suffer as the Giants organization tries to find the best possible replacement at the position (most likely either Hunter Pence or Gregor Blanco).
The Giants have released a statement on the situation.
"We were extremely disappointed to learn of the suspension of Melky Cabrera for violating Major League Baseball's Joint Drug Prevention & Treatment Program. We fully support Major League Baseball's policy and its efforts to eliminate performance enhancing drugs from our game. Per the protocol outlined by Major League Baseball's Collective Bargaining Agreement, the Giants will not comment further on this matter."
Cabrera has released a statement as well.
"My positive test was the result of my use of a substance I should not have used. I accept my suspension under the Joint Drug Program and will try to move on with my life. I am deeply sorry for my mistake and I apologize to my teammates, to the San Francisco Giants organization and to the fans for letting them down."
Currently the Giants are tied with the Dodgers in first place with 45 games left, meaning that Cabrera would be available after six games of playoff action if San Francisco managed to get that far. Their chances of getting that far have probably dropped quite a bit after today's news though.
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