Marlon Byrd receives 162-game suspension for PED use

Indians outfielder Marlon Byrd has been suspended 162 games for a second violation of the league's performance-enhancing drug policy, as first reported by Vince Grzegorek of Cleveland Scene. Byrd was previously suspended 50 games in 2012 for his first violation and did not appeal today's ban.

Byrd is the latest notable player to be suspended for PEDs this season, joining teammate Abraham Almonte, Blue Jays outfielder/first baseman Chris Colabello, and Marlins second baseman Dee Gordon. Byrd is the third player to receive a season-long ban in baseball history, joining Mets reliever Jennry Mejia, who is now banned for life, and Yankees designated hitter Alex Rodriguez.

Byrd, 38, has played 34 games for Cleveland this season after signing a minor-league deal in March. He has hit .270/326/.452 with five home runs while playing both corner outfield positions.

In Byrd's place, the Tribe will expect increased playing time from Jose Ramirez, Michael Martinez and Lonnie Chisenhall. With Almonte already out due to his PED suspension and Michael Brantley on the disabled list, Byrd's loss hurts an already-shallow pool of outfielders for Cleveland.