MLB commissioner Bud Selig announced that starting immediately minor leaguers will be tested for HGH (human growth hormone). In a move to combat the use of PEDs, major league baseball has decided to start testing for HGH using blood tests administered right after games of non-40 man roster players randomly at select minor league affiliate teams.
Those who test positive will receive the standard 50 game suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. MiLB has been on the forefront of PEDs testing and in the belief that the catch them early philosophy is the best way to approach the subject. Just this week, five minor league players were suspended 50 games each for violating the substance abuse policy.
There is currently no testing for HGH in Major League Baseball. The implementation of this test would be subject to the CBA (collective bargaining agreement). Like the NFL, HGH testing is a tough subject that is not likely to be implemented at the Major League level (not in the NFL either). Most of those who are against it, say that the blood tests are unreliable and they want to wait until there is a urine test for HGH before considering implementing it. The labs that do the testing say that the blood test is completely reliable.
Regardless, I commend Bud Selig for initiating this test. I am still of the belief that baseball has been ruined by PEDs usage, but any effort to curb and/or eliminate it from the game gets my vote.
© photo credit: littlepomegranate
