The second - and last - chance for Orelvis Martinez
It is clear that Orelvis Martinez is getting a second chance from the Toronto Blue Jays.
The much-heralded infield prospect was suspended just one game into his major league career after testing positive for the drug clomiphene. The World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) prohibits the drug under its S4 category of hormone and metabolic regulators.
And while some may consider it hypocritical for Martinez to be given a second chance when many others haven't, not all PEDs are created equal.
Clomiphene's primary use is to treat infertility in women. It is considered a selective estrogen receptor medication but has also been used in testosterone regulation. After the positive test was announced, Martinez claimed that him and his girlfriend were trying to start a family.
Clomiphene is taken by mouth. Given the circumstances, it's possible that Martinez didn't personally ingest it. Due to the nature of MLB testing, fans might not ever know how it got into his system.
It is also important to note that the test most likely came from when Martinez was playing in Buffalo. With the results coming so soon after his promotion, it is likely that the drug wasn't in his system the day he made his debut.
While Martinezwon't be a starter to begin the season - the recent acquisition of Andres Gimenez saw to that - Martinez's power will be a valuable asset of the bench, should the Jays decide to name him to the opening day roster. Spring training will be the ultimate test of that.
Drug testing can be tricky, as no drug is the same, some stay in longer and are detectable at different amounts, and there is not always transparency as to how they work. Just ask Ryan Braun.
The Blue Jays are high on Martinez and are taking a chance that he is clean. It remains to be seen how short that leash will be.
