Nixa native and current Houston Astros Minor League relief pitcher Dean Deetz has been suspended 80 games after testing positive for Dehydrochlormethyltestosterone, a performance-enhancing drug, noted in Major League Baseball’s banned list.
In a statement (below) Deetz said he has no idea how the substance entered his body.
“Let me say first and foremost that I have never knowingly taken a performance enhancing substance of any kind,” Deetz said in a statement “I come from a small town, and know how fortunate I am to call myself a professional baseball player. I would never jeopardize that opportunity, or betray those who have supported me along the way, by trying to cheat in order to gain an advantage. As I explained to the arbitrator in my appeal, I have no idea how I could possibly have tested positive and although I am disappointed with the outcome, I will abide by his decision. I would like to apologize to my family, friends, the Houston Astros organization, coaches, teammates and fans that have been impacted by this situation. I will continue working diligently to clear my name and, in the meantime, rebuild the trust of those who have been affected by this result.”
Deetz, 24, was an 11th round pick by the Astros in 2014. The former football, baseball and track standout at Nixa High School was recently added to the world champion Astros’ 40-man roster, putting him very close to making his Major League debut this upcoming season.
Deetz was 7-6 with a 4.25 ERA in 84.2 innings pitched last year split between Double-A Corpus Christi and Triple-A Fresno.
