Outfielder Returns After 80 Game Suspension

A lot has changed in Oakland since outfielder Ramon Laureano last suited up for the Athletics, but after serving his 80-game suspension, the 27-year-old is back, officially reinstated for Sunday's game. He's batting leadoff for the A's.

Ramón Laureano is officially back, reinstated by the A’s today. To make room, Stephen Piscotty was placed on the 10-day IL and RHP Jorge Juan was designated for assignment.

— Martín Gallegos (@MartinJGallegos) May 8, 2022

Laureano was suspended last August for testing positive for the anabolic steroid nandrolone, a performance-enhancing drug. Laureano, at the time, said he was "shocked" to learn of the appearance of the substance in his system, and "likely that it was contamination of something I ingested... "I have worked too hard and given too much to this sport to disrespect or cheat the game that I love."

The 4-year veteran (now entering his 5th season) was batting .246 with 14 HR and 12 SB before he had to shut it down last season. Laureano, who has manned center field for the A's for most of his time with the club, will now shift to right field, as newcomer Cristian Pache has taken over in center this season. 

Laureano will see a lot of other new faces around the diamond since he last took the field in Oakland. Gone are Matt Olson and Matt Chapman from the infield, Mark Canha and Starling Marte from the outfield, as well as Chris Bassitt and Sean Manaea from the pitching staff, as the team began a major rebuild during his absence. 

Photo Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports