Michael Pineda was crafting quite the comeback story in his return following Tommy John elbow ligament replacement surgery. He had become the Twins' most reliable starter, the rock of a rotation that has had up-and-down moments this season. He seemed to be a lock to get a start in a postseason series should the Twins clinch the AL Central title.
But Big Mike has made a big mistake.
Major League Baseball on Saturday announced the 6-7, 280-pound Dominican was suspended 60 games for violating its drug policy. It ends his 2019 season, knocks him out of any postseason games this October and — since he's in the final year of a two-year, $10 million deal — possibly ends his Twins career.
For a team that has been nicked by injuries in recent weeks, the news landed like a well-placed haymaker.
"I just woke up and found out," said Twins designated hitter Nelson Cruz, who missed Saturday's game because of a sore left wrist. "Definitely something where we're all really sad because he's such a big part of the team. He's been our best pitcher in the second half. Definitely a big loss for us."
Pineda tested positive for hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic. It's taken to treat high blood pressure as well as by those looking to lose weight. But it's also on MLB's list of banned substances because of its use to mask the presence of other illegal drugs.
The original suspension was for 80 games. Pineda appealed and was able to convince an arbitrator that he used the substance in an attempt to lose weight, not mask drug use. He will miss the final 21 games of this season and the first 39 games of 2020 with whatever team he plays for.
After apologizing to the Twins and fans for his error in judgment, Pineda, in a statement released by the player's union, said: "I mistakenly took a medication that was given to me by a close acquaintance who obtained it over-the-counter and assured me it would safely help me manage my weight. I ingested a few of these pills without the consent of the Twins' training staff."