Cleveland Indians: Abraham Almonte suspended 80 games after testing positive for PED

Cleveland Indians center fielder Abraham Almonte will be suspended for 80 games to start the 2016 season after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs. The suspension was confirmed via the Indians official Twitter account. General Manager Mike Chernoff will be holding a conference call with reporters soon, according to Jordan Bastian.

The official statement from the Indians can be seen below:

Abraham Almonte has been suspended for 80 games.

We've issued the following statement on the subject: pic.twitter.com/mmgAUEWU0s

— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) February 26, 2016

According to a report from CBS Sports, Almonte tested positive for Boldenone, a performance-enhancing drug that violates Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.

Almonte was acquired last season from the San Diego Padres in exchange for relief pitcher Marc Rzepczynski. Prior this announcement, he was thought to be in the mix for the Indians' starting center fielder spot.

UPDATE:

Abraham Almonte will address teammates and the media tomorrow:

Chernoff: Almonte met with the GM & Francona, and took full responsibility. Will adress teammates & media on Saturday.

— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) February 26, 2016