The Orioles’ first baseman, Chris Davis, has been suspended 25 games by Major League Baseball after he tested positive for amphetamines.
Davis accepted his suspension immediately, saying, “I apologize to my teammates, coaches, the Orioles organization and especially the fans. I made a mistake by taking Adderall. I had permission to use it in the past, but do not have a therapeutic use exemption this year. I accept my punishment and will begin serving my suspension immediately.”
So what does this mean for the O’s playoff chances? It won’t mean much for their standing in the AL East seeing as they have a 10-game lead in the division with only 17 games left to play.
However, it will have an impact heading into the playoffs. The 25-game suspension comes with 17 games left in the regular season, meaning that the O’s will be without Davis for their first 8 postseason games. At the earliest, the Orioles could expect Davis back somewhere in the heart of the ALCS.
Let’s not forget that the Orioles are now without their starting catcher, Matt Wieters, third baseman, Manny Machado, and now first baseman for the rest of the regular season and most of the playoffs.
While statistically this has been Davis’ worst season in Baltimore, there is a certain presence he brings to the diamond that will be missed. I think this can all be summed up by saying, “uh-O!”
The O’s open up a 7-game home stand with a double-header against the Yankees today.