Major League Baseball recorded only two positive tests for performance-enhancing substances that resulted in sanctions during the year ending with the World Series, and waivers for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder remained at a low level.
11,609 tests including 9,455 urine samples and 2,154 blood samples were performed to detect human growth hormone, the program’s independent administrator, Thomas M. Martin, said in his annual report released Friday by the MLB and the players’ association.
That was slightly down from last year’s record of 11,783 samples that included 9,550 urine and 2,233 blood. But it was the third-highest total in MLB, also down from 11,619 in 2019.
Offseason urine tests between 2023 and 2024 increased to 1,706 from 1,698, and there were 407 offseason blood tests.
The only positive test among players on the 40-man rosters involved Cincinnati infielder Noelvi Marté, suspended for the first 80 games of 2024 after a positive test for boldenone. In addition to Toronto Blue Jays Dominican infielder Orelvis MartÃnez, who was banned for 80 games on June 23 after testing positive for clomiphene two days after his Major League debut.
There were no positive tests for banned stimulants that resulted in suspensions. A first positive for a banned stimulant results in follow-up testing, and a second positive results in a 50-game suspension.
The TUEs totaled 65, of which 61 were due to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The 61 coincided with 2023, when the total decreased for the tenth consecutive year. That total dropped from 72 in 2022 and 119 in 2013.
There was one TUE each for hypertension, sleep disorder, hormonal function, and uveitis/high eye pressure.
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