Orioles LHP Patton gets 25-game drug suspension ADVERTISING Orioles LHP Patton gets 25-game drug suspension NEW YORK — Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Troy Patton was suspended by Major League Baseball on Friday for the first 25 games of next season
Orioles LHP Patton gets 25-game drug suspension
NEW YORK — Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Troy Patton was suspended by Major League Baseball on Friday for the first 25 games of next season after a positive test for a banned amphetamine.
Patton told The Baltimore Sun that he took an Adderall pill four days before the season finished, trying to improve his short-term focus.
“I took one because I was stupid,” Patton told the Sun. “It was the end of the season. It was just a stupid mistake.”
The 28-year-old left-hander, a veteran of five major league seasons, was 2-0 with a 3.70 ERA this year in 56 relief appearances.
Twins reportedly agree to deal with Suzuki
MINNEAPOLIS — A person with knowledge of the deal tells The Associated Press the Minnesota Twins and catcher Kurt Suzuki have agreed to a $2.75 million, one-year contract.
The deal was reached on Friday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the Wailuku, Maui, native has to pass a physical before the contract can be signed.
The Twins were in the market for a veteran catcher after announcing last month that Joe Mauer was moving from catcher to first base.
The 30-year-old Suzuki hit .232 with five homers and 32 RBIs for the Washington Nationals and Oakland Athletics last season.
Youkilis heading to Japan for one year
NEW YORK — Kevin Youkilis is leaving the major leagues after an injury-plagued season and heading to Japan.
The three-time All-Star has agreed to a one-year contract with the Rakuten Golden Eagles of Japan’s Pacific League, agent Joe Bick said Friday.
Youkilis, a 34-year-old first baseman and third baseman, will have a $4 million base salary and can earn $1 million bonuses — including some based on walks, a provision not allowed in major league contracts.
By wire sources
