Yasmani Grandal Suspended For 50 Games

Disappointing news from the Padres today, as young catcher Yasmani Grandal was suspended for 50 games after testing positive for a high testosterone level. The Padres organization declined to comment on the matter in full detail.

Grandal bursted onto the scene in 2012, when he posted a triple-slash line of .297/.394/.469, with 8 HR’s and 36 RBI’s in 60 games with the Padres. Grandal was a key component in the Mat Latos deal and looks to be the Padres catcher of the future. Now Grandal will be suspended for the first 1/3 of 2013.

Sep 10, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres catcher Yasmani Grandal (12) points to the dugout during a pitching change in the seventh inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-US PRESSWIRE

The move is devastating to an offensive-starved team, that needs his powerful bat in the lineup. The suspension of Grandal opens up the door for Nick Hundley to regain his starting position and increases the likelihood that John Baker will be tendered a contract.

The staff here at Chicken Friars will have more details as they unfold.