Blue Jays’ Chris Colabello suspended 80 games for PED violation

Blue Jays first baseman Chris Colabello has been suspended 80 games for violating MLB’s performance-enhancing drug policy.

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Blue Jays first baseman Chris Colabello has been suspended 80 games for violating MLB’s performance-enhancing drug policy, the league announced Friday.

Colabello tested positive for dehydrochlormethyltestosterone, the same drug that triggered the suspensions of White Sox minor league pitcher Kameron Loe and Phillies reliever Daniel Stumpf. 

In a statement released after the suspension was announced, Colabello said he was informed of the positive test on March 13. “I have spent every waking moment since that day trying to find an answer as to why or how?” he added.

Statement from Chris Colabello: pic.twitter.com/9UWTr7YfLD

— Brendan Kennedy (@BKennedyStar) April 22, 2016

Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins also released a statement on Friday.

Statement from #BlueJays GM Ross Atkins: pic.twitter.com/bOsA0UdLOv

— Shi Davidi (@ShiDavidi) April 22, 2016

Colabello, 32, began his professional career in the independent Canadian-American Association before signing a minor-league deal with the Twins in 2012 at age 28. He made his major league debut in 2013.

His first season as a full-time player was last year with the Blue Jays, when he batted .321 with 15 home runs and a .520 slugging percentage in 101 games. He was off to a slow start this season, with just two hits in 29 at bats.