Detroit Tigers Pitcher A J Hinch Mlb

Detroit Tigers Pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez Suspended For Violating MLB's Substance Abuse Policy

Hinch Issues Statement On Suspension

Tigers Starting Pitcher To Miss First Five Games Of The Season

Eduardo Rodriguez, starting pitcher for the Detroit Tigers, has been suspended for the first five games of the 2023 season after violating Major League Baseball's substance abuse policy. The suspension was announced by the league on Tuesday, February 21st.

Rodriguez tested positive for a banned substance, according to MLB. The specific substance has not been disclosed. This is Rodriguez's first violation of the league's substance abuse policy.

In a statement released by the Tigers, manager A. J. Hinch said that the team is "disappointed" by Rodriguez's suspension. "We fully support Major League Baseball's drug-testing program and we are committed to creating a clean and healthy environment for our players," Hinch said.

Rodriguez is expected to miss the Tigers' first five games of the season, which begins on March 30th against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The left-hander is expected to be a key part of the Tigers' rotation this season.

The suspension is a setback for Rodriguez and the Tigers. Rodriguez was expected to be one of the team's top starters this season. The Tigers will now have to find a replacement for Rodriguez in the rotation for the first five games of the season.

Rodriguez is the second MLB player to be suspended for violating the league's substance abuse policy this season. Oakland Athletics pitcher Frankie Montas was suspended for 80 games in January after testing positive for a banned substance.