Relief pitcher Emmanuel Clase, who is now on the Indians, received an 80-game PED suspension in May. Andrew Dieb-USA TODAY Sports

Report: MLB players can serve PED suspensions in full during 60-game season

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 6/25/20

As reported by the Associated Press (h/t ESPN ) and other outlets on May 1, Major League Baseball handed Cleveland Indians relief pitcher Emmanuel Clase an 80-game suspension after he tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance.

Clase and MLB didn't know at the time that the 2020 season scheduled to begin in July would only include 60 regular-season games, but Clase recently learned he won't be punished beyond this year as long as the season finishes amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Anthony Castrovince of MLB.com explained that Clase and all other players currently on 80-game bans will be eligible to return to the field next year if the upcoming 60-game season is completed in full. This full-year suspension was agreed upon by owners and the MLB Players Association:

Indians RHP Emmanuel Clase was suspended 80 games for PEDs while MLB was shuttered.

With 60-gm schedule, suspension is now shorter in games but larger in % of season. Won't carry into '21* but will last all of '20.

*Unclear what happens if COVID-19 cuts '20 season even shorter.
— Anthony Castrovince (@castrovince) June 25, 2020

This was negotiated with the players' union.
— Anthony Castrovince (@castrovince) June 25, 2020

100 is larger than 50, yes, thank you for confirming.
— Anthony Castrovince (@castrovince) June 25, 2020

As Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com reported, additional negotiations between owners and players for an altered collective bargaining agreement as it concerns issues such as suspensions will be required if coronavirus spikes a second virus wave, or other matters force Major League Baseball to cancel the season.

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