Right in the thick of the playoff race in the American League, the Oakland Athletics suffered a major blow on Friday.
Ace starter Frankie Montas was suspended 80 games for alleged PED use.
The 26-year-old Dominican native did not appeal the suspension. He did, however, release a statement through the players union.
Montas has been the A’s best hurler this season, pitching to a 9-2 record with a 2.70 ERA and 1.12 WHIP in 15 starts.
This is a devastating blow to an A’s team that’s thin on starting pitchers. It remains to be seen if top prospects Jesús Luzardo and A.J. Puk will be fast-tracked to the Majors. Both are coming off injuries.
Oakland enters this weekend’s action with a 40-36 record and right in the thick of the AL Playoff race.
Montas will not be available in the postseason due to this suspension.
