Astros' Martes suspended 162 games for doping violation

[February 18, 2020]    (Reuters) - Houston Astros pitcher Francis Martes has been suspended for 162 games without pay after testing positive for Boldenone, a performance-enhancing substance, Major League Baseball said on Monday

Martes, who was previously suspended for a performance-enhancing substance violation in 2019, will begin his suspension at the start of the 2020 regular season in March.

The 24-year-old Dominican Republic native spent last season in the minor leagues. He has a 5-2 major league record, all from 2017.

(Reporting by Gene Cherry in Salvo, North Carolina; Editing by Dan Grebler)

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