Chris Colabello suspended 80 games for PED violation

Blue Jays slugger Chris Colabello has been suspended 80 games after testing positive for a banned substance, according to a league announcement. Colabello reportedyly tested positive for dehydrochlormethyltestosterone.

Colabello issued the following statement after the news was made public:

Chris Colabello's statement, exclamation point and all, after his positive test and subsequent 80-game suspension: pic.twitter.com/EAB2VHUgZ9

— Arash Madani (@ArashMadani) April 22, 2016

Colabello, 32, started off his season in a rough 2-for-29 slump after hitting .321 with 15 home runs and 54 RBI in 101 games playing first base and outfield for the Jays last season. The former independent leaguer was one of the team's primary feel-good stories of last season, though today's news will likely put at least a slight damper on that narrative.

Colabello is the latest significant player to be suspended under the new league policy, joining Ervin Santana (Twins), Jenrry Mejia (Mets) and Abraham Almonte (Indians). Mejia, of course, was banned from baseball for life after his third positive test earlier this year.

Toronto has significant depth to replace Colabello, with Justin Smoak and Edwin Encarnacion as other options at first base. The team's outfield is set with Jose Bautista, Kevin Pillar and Michael Saunders anchoring the starting spots with Ezequiel Carrera serving as a backup.