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In an incredibly stupid misstep, Red Sox knuckleballer
Steven Wright was caught using a banned performance-enhancing drug by Major League Baseball. Wright tested positive for
Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide 2 (GHRP-2) in an off-season testing regimen. For violating MLB's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment program, Wright will be suspended for 80 games— effective at the start of the 2019 regular season. This will clearly have an impact on the depth of Boston's starting rotation and may necessitate the acquisition of another starting option from outside the organization. Said Wright of his suspension:
"I was notified by MLB that I failed a test under the Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program during this past offseason. Although I do not dispute the validity of the test, I was shocked as I have never intentionally ingested anything for performance-enhancing purposes. I have fully cooperated with MLB and will continue to try and identify the source of the result." Wright has missed substantial time over the last two seasons with various injuries—mostly to his left knee.