Nats' Barrera suspended 80 games for PED

NEW YORK -- Catcher Tres Barrera, the Nationals' No. 19 prospect, has been suspended for 80 games without pay, Major League Baseball announced on Saturday.

Barrera tested positive for the performance-enhancing drug dehydrochlormethyltestosterone (DHCMT). After the suspension was announced, he released a statement through the Major League Baseball Players Association.

“After conducting an appeal process, I am saddened to confirm that I have failed a test under MLB’s Joint Drug Agreement for DHCMT and the arbitrator has decided to uphold the suspension," he said. "From the initial failed drug test to losing the appeal, this all has come as a complete surprise as I have never, and will never knowingly use a banned substance. I have worked too hard and given too much to this sport to disrespect or cheat the game that I love. I would never do anything to dishonor my family, teammates, and coaches or do anything to let down the many young ball players that look up to me.

"I apologize to the Nationals’ organization, my teammates, fans, and my family for the negative attention this has brought. I will continue to work to find answers to the many questions that remain surrounding this drug to clear my name, but most importantly to prevent this from happening to anyone else. I look forward to returning to baseball and contributing alongside my brothers.”

The 25-year-old backstop hit .249 with eight homers, 23 doubles, 46 RBIs and 42 runs scored in 101 games last season at Double-A Harrisburg. He was called up to the big leagues on Sept. 8 and went hitless in two at-bats. Barrera was one of the Nationals’ prospects named to the 60-player pool for Summer Camp workouts.

A total of 12 Minor Leaguers have been suspended for drug-related violations in 2020.