NEW YORK -- Atlanta Braves reliever Andrew McKirahan has been suspended for 80 games following a positive test for a banned substance under Major League Baseball's drug program.
McKirahan is the fifth big league pitcher in 25 days disciplined for using performance-enhancing drugs. He was cited for ipamorelin, which releases growth hormone.
The 25-year-old left-hander has a 4.15 ERA in three appearances this season. He was selected by the Chicago Cubs in the 21st round of the 2011 amateur draft, taken by Miami in the winter meetings draft of unprotected players, then claimed by Atlanta off waivers on April 1.
Because of Monday's suspension, McKirahan loses $221,858 of his $507,500 salary, the major league minimum.
Minnesota's Ervin Santana, the New York Mets' Jenrry Mejia, Seattle's David Rollins and Atlanta's Arodys Vizcaino were suspended for positive tests for stanozolol, which is sold under the name Winstrol and is popular with body builders.
