Former major-league infielder Fernando Viña on Monday admitted using human growth hormone in 2003 as he attempted to heal from injuries.
Viña, now an ESPN baseball analyst, was named last week in the Mitchell report on performance-enhancing drugs. The report said he also purchased steroids from former New York Mets clubhouse attendant Kirk Radomski, but Viña denied those claims.
“I never bought steroids from him. All I used was HGH,” Viña said.
Slow to recover from knee and hamstring injuries, Viña played only 61 games for the St. Louis Cardinals in 2003. He said he was under pressure from the team and himself to get back on the field, so he tried HGH.
“I tried everything rehabbing,” Viña said. “I came to a point that I was desperate.”
At 5-feet-9 and 170 pounds, Viña said he wasn’t trying to bulk up — his job was to slap the ball around and use his quickness to get on base. He said he turned to HGH hoping to get healthy.
“Was it right? No. Obviously, it was wrong,” Viña said. “I’m embarrassed by it.”
Former Rockies backup catcher Gary Bennett, also named in the Mitchell report, said he took HGH in 2003 because of a knee injury. He signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday.
Meanwhile, Cleveland Indians pitcher Paul Byrd met with baseball officials to discuss his use of human growth hormone.
It’s uncertain whether Byrd will face any discipline from the commissioner’s office or when a potential punishment might be handed down.
Prior talking with Astros.
Released by the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday, right-hander Mark Prior received an offer from the Houston Astros, according to the Houston Chronicle.
“We’ve got an offer out to him at this point and time,” Houston general manager Ed Wade said. “I got a sense that we’re in the relatively early stages.”
The Astros and Jack Cassel agreed to a $400,000, one-year deal. The right-hander was 1-1 with a 3.97 ERA in six games for the San Diego Padres this season.
Lopez attempting comeback.
Javy Lopez is trying a comeback with his former team, agreeing to a minor-league contract with the Atlanta Braves.
The catcher was out of the majors this year after he was cut by the Rockies in spring training. He played for the Braves from 1992-2003 and was selected to three all-star teams. He would get a contract paying $750,000 if he’s put on the major-league roster and have the chance to earn $250,000 in performance bonuses.
Rivera, Yankees finalize deal.
Closer Mariano Rivera and the New York Yankees finalized a $45 million, three-year contract. Rivera was 3-4 with 30 saves in 34 chances and a 3.15 ERA this season.
