Diamondbacks Secure Max Kepler Despite Ongoing Suspension for PEDs

PHOENIX (AP) — The Arizona Diamondbacks have officially brought outfielder Max Kepler onto their roster, even though he is currently serving an 80-game ban for a positive test related to performance-enhancing substances. The details of the contract, announced on Sunday, have not been disclosed.

Kepler will not join the team until his suspension concludes on June 25, and during this time, he will be placed on the restricted list, meaning he won't occupy a spot on the Diamondbacks' 40-man roster.

In January, Kepler tested positive for Epitrenbolone, a substance linked to Trenbolone, commonly found in bodybuilding products and used in some cattle growth enhancers. Notably, he is the first player to face suspension under Major League Baseball for this specific substance since the league began publicly announcing the details of such penalties in 2005.

The 33-year-old outfielder had a challenging 2023 season with the Philadelphia Phillies, finishing with a batting average of .216, alongside 18 home runs and 52 RBIs, after signing a one-year contract worth $10 million. He also dealt with left patellar tendinitis and underwent surgery to address a sports hernia following the season.

Originating from Germany, Kepler signed with the Minnesota Twins at the age of 16 in 2009. Over his 11-year career in Major League Baseball, he has accumulated a .235 batting average, 179 home runs, and 560 RBIs.