MLB Season 2014 Recap, Scores & Predictions: League Imposes Longer Game Ban On Players Using PEDs

Major League Baseball (MLB) players shown to be using performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) will suffer worse penalties than before, a report by Bloomberg shows.

The MLB and its player union recently agreed to add more penalties for players testing positive from the first to the third time. Aside from increasing the penalties, the anti-PED program also involves more random tests conducted among players.

For MLB players who fail the drug test for the first time, they will be suspended for 80 games. Before, first-time violators were suspended for 50 games. MLB players who fail the banned substance test the second time will be suspended for the entire MLB season, or 162 games. Before this change, the suspension for second-time violators was for 100 games. MLB players who are still tested positive for a third time will be permanently banned. 

For the additional random testing, MLB players should expect unannounced urine tests during the season done 3,200 times, compared to 1,400 times the last time. Also, 400 blood tests will be conducted to test for human growth hormone (HGH).

Bud Selig, Commissioner of MLB, said that he wishes to forward his appreciation to professional baseball players who supported the improved anti-drug program. He particularly cited the players' foresight and creativity in making the drug program successful. He shared that increasing the penalties are only part of the process. Comprehensive adjustments are expected to ensure that the game stays fair and clean, as reported by USA Today. 

According to MLB.com, there are still player benefits available. For one, a player may appeal to reduce his suspension at a hearing if he shows that the substance use was not geared toward boosting performance in the field. The Arbitration Panel has the power to minimize the duration of the suspension, although first-time offenders should be suspended for at least 40 games. Another limitation for the panel is that it cannot reduce the penalty if a player tests positive for HGH, testosterone, anti-estrogens, stanozolol, nandrolone, boldenone and selective estrogen receptor modulators.