Arizona Diamondbacks minor league pitcher Jose Cabrera was at the height of his career on Friday night. It all came crashing down not even 24 hours later.
Cabrera had arguably the best start of his career on Friday. He fired five no hit innings, issuing three walks and a wild pitch while striking out nine for the Hillsboro Hops. His curve made the opposing Vancouver Canadians look foolish at the plate. It was a step in the right direction after the young pitcher had struggled following his promotion to High-A.
Arizona Diamondbacks minor leaguer banned for PEDs
It also turns out that Cabrera’s outing was his last of the 2023 season. He was suspended for 80 games on Saturday after testing positive for boldenone, ending his season. This cannot be how he expected to celebrate his stellar outing.
Cabrera had a somewhat inconsistent 2023 campaign. He posted a 5.28 ERA and a 1.649 WHiP over his 107.1 innings between A-Ball and High-A, striking out 96 batters with 56 walks. Cabrera struggled with his command as evidenced by his walk rate, but he was also leaving too many pitches in the zone as he has allowed 121 hits. The curve certainly has the potential to impress, but needs more consistency.
It had appeared as though Cabrera had turned the corner, at least for one night. That outing could have been a catalyst, helping propel his career forward. Instead, it falls under a cloud of suspicion as it is fair to wonder how much those PEDs helped. His shining moment is now an albatross. And it is a reminder of how questionable any of his success this season may have been.
Arizona Diamondbacks minor league pitcher Jose Cabrera fired five no-hit innings on Friday. On Saturday, he was suspended for PED use.
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