Left-handed reliever Dan Serafini, who pitched briefly for the Rockies last season, was suspended for 50 games today after testing positive for a banned substance. Serafini appeared in three games for the Rockies, compiling a 54.00 ERA. He is a free agent. Serafini released the following statement through the Players Association.
“Although I understand that I must accept the terms of the suspension, I want to make it known that I did not use any banned substances in order to gain a competitive advantage. However, while playing baseball in Japan, I suffered two significant injuries that limited my playing time to 7 games in 2006 and 9 games in 2007. While trying to accelerate the healing process of these injuries, I took substances that were prescribed for me by a doctor in Japan. What I did not know at the time was that these substances would cause me to test positive once I returned to the U.S. I have not taken these or any banned substances since returning to the U.S. and signing with the Colorado Rockies organization in July.
“While I regret the circumstances that led to my suspension, I have learned that a Major Leaguer should only rely on medical care provided by U.S.-based doctors. I apologize to the fans of Major League Baseball and I know I will be more careful in the future.”
