Matt Harvey, Baltimore Orioles. (Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports)
Baltimore Orioles pitcher Matt Harvey has been suspended 60 games by MLB for violating the Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.
Earlier this season, the Baltimore Orioles re-signed right-handed pitcher Matt Harvey to a minor league contract. However, they will be without him for quite some time after a ruling by MLB.
On Tuesday, May 17, Harvey received a 60-game suspension without pay for “participating in the distribution of a prohibited Drug of Abuse in violation of MLB’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.” The suspension is retroactive to Apr. 29.
Matt Harvey suspended 60 games for distributing prohibited drug
The suspension stems from Harvey’s admitting in the trial of former Los Angeles Angels communications director Eric Kay that he provided Percocet to former teammate and pitcher Tyler Skaggs. Additionally, Harvey admitted to using cocaine and oxycodone.
Back on 2019, Skaggs was found dead in his hotel room in Southlake, Texas. A medical examiner revealed that Skaggs had oxycodone, fentanyl and alcohol in his system and that he choked on his own vomit. Skaggs was just 27-years-old.
Harvey received immunity from criminal prosecution for providing testimony in the trial. Kay was convicted on charges of distribution of controlled substances resulting in death and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances in relation to Skaggs’ death, and faces a minimum of 20 years in prison. He is set to be sentenced on June 28.
Last year, Harvey joined the Orioles on a one-year deal. During 28 starts, Harvey recorded a 6.27 ERA, a 1.54 WHIP, a 6-14 win-loss record and 95 strikeouts through 127.2 innings of work.