Frankie Montas, a pitcher for the Oakland Athletics, was suspended for 80 games by Major League Baseball (MLB) in June 2019 after testing positive for Ostarine, a banned performance-enhancing drug.
Montas had been having an impressive season with a 2.70 ERA and 103 strikeouts in 15 starts before his suspension. This incident highlights the importance of drug testing and anti-doping policies in professional sports, as well as the consequences for athletes who violate these policies.
In this blog post, we will explore why Frankie Montas was suspended, who he is, what Ostarine is, how he was caught, the impact of his suspension, and the importance of fair play in professional sports.
Who is Frankie Montas?
Frankie Montas is a Dominican-born professional baseball player who is currently a pitcher for the Oakland Athletics in the MLB. Montas was born on March 21, 1993, in the Dominican Republic, and was signed by the Boston Red Sox as an international free agent in 2009 at the age of 16.
Montas made his MLB debut with the Chicago White Sox in 2015 and later played for the Los Angeles Dodgers before being traded to the Oakland Athletics in 2017.
Montas’ career has been marked by both successes and challenges, including a rib injury that limited his playing time in 2018.
Before his suspension in 2019, Montas had been having an impressive season with the Oakland Athletics. In his 15 starts, he had a 2.70 ERA and a career-high 103 strikeouts.
His performances had been instrumental in the team’s success, and he was considered a key player in their rotation. Montas’ achievements before his suspension demonstrate his potential as a talented and skilled athlete in the MLB.
What is Ostarine?
Ostarine, also known as MK-2866 or Enobosarm, is a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) that is designed to mimic the effects of testosterone in the body.
Ostarine works by binding to androgen receptors in the body, which can help to promote muscle growth, reduce muscle wasting, and enhance athletic performance.
Although Ostarine has not been approved for human use by the FDA, it is sometimes used illegally by athletes and bodybuilders as a performance-enhancing drug.
Ostarine is banned in professional sports because it is considered a type of doping, which can give athletes an unfair advantage over their competitors.
In addition, Ostarine has been associated with several potential health risks, including liver damage, cardiovascular issues, and hormonal imbalances.
The use of Ostarine and other performance-enhancing drugs can also damage the integrity of sports and undermine the trust of fans and other athletes in the fairness of competitions.
As a result, Ostarine is strictly prohibited under the MLB’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program, which aims to promote fair play and protect the health of athletes.
How Was Montas Caught?
The drug testing process in Major League Baseball (MLB) involves random testing throughout the season, as well as testing before the season and during the postseason.
Players are selected for testing at random, and their urine samples are collected and analyzed for the presence of performance-enhancing drugs, including Ostarine.
In Montas’ case, he was selected for testing during the season, and his urine sample was found to contain Ostarine. Montas was informed of the positive test and subsequently suspended for 80 games under the MLB’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.
Montas later released a statement, acknowledging his mistake and taking responsibility for his actions. He also explained that he had inadvertently ingested the substance through a contaminated supplement.
Although Montas’ positive test and subsequent suspension were undoubtedly a setback for him and his team, he accepted the suspension and worked hard to return to the field after the suspension was completed.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of following anti-doping policies in professional sports and the potential consequences for athletes who violate these policies.
Impact of Montas’ Suspension
Montas’ suspension had significant consequences for both him and his team, the Oakland Athletics. For Montas, the suspension meant that he was unable to play for 80 games, which was nearly half of the season.
This not only affected his ability to play and earn money during that period but also had an impact on his reputation as a professional athlete.
For the Oakland Athletics, Montas’ absence was felt deeply as he was one of their key players in the rotation. The team struggled in his absence, and it is likely that his suspension contributed to their inability to make the playoffs that season.
The loss of a top-performing player also affected the team’s morale and could have had long-term implications for the team’s performance.
In terms of Montas’ career and reputation, the suspension undoubtedly had negative effects. Montas was no longer considered a clean athlete, and his suspension could have made it more challenging for him to secure future contracts or endorsement deals.
However, Montas did make a strong comeback after his suspension, proving that he was still a valuable player and earning recognition for his performances in subsequent seasons.
Overall, Montas’ suspension serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining the integrity of professional sports and the potential consequences of violating anti-doping policies.
Mlb Suspensions for Performance-enhancing Drugs in 2019
| Player Name | Team | Suspension Length |
|---|---|---|
| Robinson Cano | New York Mets | 162 games |
| Mariano Rivera III | Washington Nationals | 80 games |
| Frankie Montas | Oakland Athletics | 80 games |
| David Paulino | Toronto Blue Jays | 80 games |
| Tim Beckham | Seattle Mariners | 80 games |
| Jenrry Mejia | Free Agent | Lifetime Ban |
| Julio Urias | Los Angeles Dodgers | 20 games |
| Jorge Bonifacio | Kansas City Royals | 80 games |
| Domingo German | New York Yankees | 81 games |
Note: This table lists the MLB players who were suspended for using performance-enhancing drugs during the 2019 season. The suspension length varies depending on the severity of the offense. Jenrry Mejia, who is listed as a free agent, was banned for life after his third positive test.
FAQs
How common is drug use in professional sports?
Drug use in professional sports is not uncommon, and many athletes have been caught using performance-enhancing drugs.
What are the penalties for using performance-enhancing drugs in the MLB?
Penalties for using performance-enhancing drugs in the MLB can vary, depending on the severity of the offense. Players can face suspensions ranging from 80 games to a lifetime ban, as well as fines and other disciplinary measures.
How can athletes avoid accidentally ingesting banned substances?
Athletes can take steps to avoid accidentally ingesting banned substances by carefully reviewing the ingredients of supplements and medications they take and consulting with a medical professional or nutritionist if necessary.
How does the MLB test for performance-enhancing drugs?
The MLB uses a urine testing process to test for performance-enhancing drugs, including Ostarine. The testing process is conducted randomly throughout the season, as well as before the season and during the postseason.
What can athletes do to maintain their performance without using performance-enhancing drugs?
Athletes can maintain their performance without using performance-enhancing drugs by focusing on proper training, nutrition, and recovery, as well as following anti-doping policies and working closely with their coaches and medical professionals.
Conclusion
Frankie Montas’ suspension for testing positive for Ostarine, a banned performance-enhancing drug, highlights the importance of anti-doping policies in professional sports.
Montas was having an impressive season with the Oakland Athletics before his suspension, with a 2.70 ERA and a career-high 103 strikeouts. However, the positive test and subsequent suspension had significant consequences for both Montas and his team.
Montas’ suspension affected his ability to play, earn money and had negative implications for his reputation as a professional athlete.
The Oakland Athletics also struggled without him, and his absence impacted the team’s morale and performance. However, Montas made a strong comeback after his suspension, demonstrating his continued value as a player.
Overall, Montas’ suspension serves as a reminder that maintaining fair play in professional sports is crucial, and violating anti-doping policies can have significant consequences for athletes and their teams.
