The San Francisco Giants' pursuit of a deep run into MLB baseball's postseason has suffered a jolt with All-Star outfielder Melky Cabrera being suspended for 50 games without pay after testing positive for testosterone.
The 28-year-old from the Dominican Republic, the most valuable player in this year's All-Star game, was hit with the ban for violating MLB's drug prevention and treatment program.
Cabrera's suspension is effective immediately.
The eight-year big-league veteran is batting .346 -- second in the National League -- with 11 home runs, 84 runs scored and 60 runs batted in this season.
San Francisco is tied with the Los Angeles Dodgers for first place in the National League West with a 64-53 record.
The Giants have only 45 games left in the regular season, so Cabrera's suspension would stretch into the playoffs should San Francisco advance.
Many US professional league's do not follow the Wada guidelines for doping suspensions.
