Twins’ Jorge Polanco banned 80 games after positive drug test
A big second half by shortstop Jorge Polanco helped push the Twins into the playoffs last season. This year, they’ll try to start fast without him.
Polanco was suspended 80 games on Sunday after testing positive for the performance-enhancing substance Stanozolol. He became the sixth player to be banned this year under the major league drug program — one more than last year.
Polanco hit .256 with 13 home runs and 74 RBIs last season while starting 127 games at shortstop. The 24-year-old also stole 13 bases in helping the Twins earn an AL wild-card spot.
In a statement released by the players’ union, Polanco said he didn’t “intentionally consume this steroid.