On Saturday the Padres held their first full-squad workout in Peoria, AZ. Before the practice, catcher Yasmani Grandal addressed the team to offer his apologies.
In November, it was revealed Grandal had tested positive for a banned substance. He'll miss the first 50 games of the season, per MLB rules. In the meeting, Grandal wanted to let his team mates know he's sorry for letting them down and missing a third of the year.
Grandal also met with reporters for the first time since his test result was made public. He did not take questions, instead reading the following prepared statement:
“Last November, I admitted taking a banned substance and accepted my punishment of a 50-game suspension. I have taken full responsibility for my actions and apologized to my teammates, the fans and the San Diego Padres organization. I plan to put that mistake behind me, serve my suspension and continue working hard to be the best player and teammate I can be.
"I am aware of the various press reports about so-called patient files from a Miami clinic, and that Major League Baseball and others are investigating those allegations. I intend to cooperate fully in their investigations. I have been instructed by legal counsel not to answer questions relating to the pending investigations. Based on that legal advice, I will have no further comment.
Again, I realize that I made a big mistake and I very much look forward to returning to the field.”
Grandal, 24, finished tied for 6th on the Padres with 8 home runs in 2012, despite playing in just 60 games. Originally acquired in the trade that sent Mat Latos to Cincinnati, Grandal is one of the top catching prospects in baseball.
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Nick Hundley and John Baker will once again handle the catching duties until Grandal can return.
