After Dave Dombrowski literally traded away the farm to get aces Chris Sale and Craig Kimbrel last year, the Red Sox really only had a few prospects to really be excited about.
Unfortunately, today news broke that effective immediately, number-one prospect Michael Chavis has been suspended 80 games without pay for Dehydrochlormethyltestosterone. He is one of four minor leaguers to receive suspensions.
Chavis and fellow Sox prospect Jason Groome are currently the only players in the organization’s pipeline ranked in Baseball America’s Top 100 Prospects. In 2017, Chavis played for both High-A Salem and Double-A Portland, hitting.a combined 31 home runs with a .910 OPS.
Chavis posted a statement on his personal Twitter page a few minutes ago, vehemently denying use of any banned substance, but accepting the punishment handed down from the Commissioner:
“I fully support the drug testing programs that MLB, MiLB and the MLBPA has worked so hard on to keep the sport I love clean. The drug programs protect the integrity of the game and are crucial… I would never jeopardize my career or the integrity of the game, or disrespect myself or my family, by purposely taking a banned substance… drugs and alcohol have personally affected my family; so much so that I have never tried either in my entire life… I am not this type of person or player.”
The Red Sox released a statement of their own:
“The Boston Red Sox fully support Major League Baseball and the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. While we are disappointed by the news of this violation, we will look to provide the appropriate support to Michael. Going forward, the club will not comment further on the matter.” (Via MLB.com)
True or not, this is an unfortunate start to Chavis’ professional career. Hopefully, like many players, he will return stronger and have a bright future, making this just a footnote in his story.
Photo: WEEI
