Blue Jays’ Top Prospect Orelvis Martinez Suspended 80 Games by MLB for PED Violation

Two days after making his MLB debut, Toronto Blue Jays top prospect Orelvis Martinez was suspended for 80 games for violating the leagues performance-enhancing drug policy.

“We were both surprised and disappointed to learn of Orelvis Martinez’s suspension,” Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins said. “We will do everything in our power to ensure Orelvis has learned from this mistake.”

In a statement, Martinez said he was prescribed a fertility treatment by a doctor in the Dominican Republic that included a banned substance:

The 22-year-old signed with Toronto as an international free agent in 2018 and quickly made an impression. In 40 games with Toronto’s Gulf Coast League affiliate in 2019, he slugged .549 with seven homers and 32 RBI.

Martinez’s power has followed each of his promotions through the Blue Jays’ farm system. Between 2021 and 2023, he hit 86 home runs while moving from High-A through Triple-A.

The versatile infielder began this year with the Buffalo Bisons in the International League, where he continued to rake. He boasted a .260/.343/.523 slash line with 16 homers in 269 plate appearances.

With everyday shortstop Bo Bichette placed on the injured list, the Blue Jays called Martinez up to the majors earlier this week. He went 1-for-3 in Friday’s 7-1 loss to the Cleveland Guardians.

Now, Martinez may not see an MLB diamond again until 2025.

His 80-game ban won’t cover the remainder of the season but will overlap with the vast majority of the second half. At 35-41, the Blue Jays have 86 games the rest of the way.

Following his suspension, Toronto activated outfielder Steward Berroa. The team also confirmed Isiah Kiner-Falefa will start at short Sunday against Cleveland for the second straight game.