A’s ace Frankie Montas suspended 80 games for PEDs

By Vincent Frank

·Updated: June 21, 2019

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.

Oakland A's starter Frankie Montas has been suspended 80 games after testing positive for a banned substance, sources tell ESPN. This had been a breakout season for Montas, who is 9-2 with 2.70 ERA and 97 Ks vs. just 21 walks in 90 innings.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) June 21, 2019

The 26-year-old Dominican native did not appeal the suspension. He did, however, release a statement through the players union.

The Major League Baseball Players Association is releasing the below statement on behalf of Frankie Montas: pic.twitter.com/wHPbMy1ObB
— MLBPA Communications (@MLBPA_News) June 21, 2019

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.