Marlins' Paul Campbell suspended 80 games for PED violation

Miami Marlins rookie right-handed pitcher Paul Campbell made his first MLB start on Saturday against the Washington Nationals. 

That will be the last time fans see the 25-year-old in action for at least several months. 

The Marlins confirmed on Monday that MLB has suspended Campbell 80 games without pay after he tested positive for the performance-enhancing drug dehydrochlormethyltestosterone. According to the Associated Press (h/t ESPN), Campbell denied any wrongdoing in a statement. 

"Due to the fact that I do not know the origin of how this substance has entered into my system, I currently have no viable defense," he explained. "I have unfortunately become one of the many athletes, across multiple sports, who are presenting themselves to the world and asking for members of the anti-doping world to help us find answers as to why this metabolite is continuing to show up in athletes' bodies, and ultimately costing them significant detours in their careers." 

Before Monday's development, Campbell appeared in five games this season and posted a record of 0-2 with an 8.74 ERA in 11.1 innings.

"We are disappointed to hear today’s news regarding Paul Campbell’s suspension for violating Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program," Marlins general manager Kim Ng added. "The Marlins support MLB’s continued efforts to maintain a level playing field for our athletes."