In a surprising development, Cincinnati Reds pitcher Brady Singer has been suspended and banned from all baseball activities by Major League Baseball (MLB) after testing positive for a prohibited substance. The league announced the suspension earlier today, citing a violation of its Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.
Singer, 28, joined the Reds in November 2024 through a trade with the Kansas City Royals, which involved sending Jonathan India and Joey Wiemer to Kansas City. He quickly became a key component of Cincinnati’s starting rotation, known for his durability and effective pitch mix. In the 2024 season, Singer posted a 3.71 ERA over 179.2 innings, demonstrating his value as a reliable starter. The suspension stems from a positive test for a banned performance-enhancing substance, as per MLB’s drug policy. Under the policy, a first-time offense results in an 80-game suspension without pay. This marks Singer’s first violation, and he will be eligible to return later this season, depending on the Reds’ schedule.
The Reds organization expressed disappointment over the incident. “We are aware of the suspension and are disappointed by Brady’s actions,” the team said in a statement. “We fully support MLB’s drug policy and will continue to educate our players on the importance of adhering to these standards.”
Singer also released a statement through his agent, acknowledging the mistake. “I take full responsibility for my actions and apologize to my teammates, the Reds organization, and the fans,” he said. “I will use this time to reflect and ensure that this does not happen again.”
The suspension leaves a significant gap in the Reds’ pitching rotation. With Singer sidelined, the team will likely look to internal options or consider external acquisitions to fill the void. The Reds had high hopes for the 2025 season, and this development poses a challenge to their aspirations.
MLB’s strict stance on performance-enhancing drugs aims to maintain the integrity of the game. Singer’s suspension serves as a reminder of the consequences players face when violating league policies.
As the Reds adjust to this setback, the focus will be on maintaining competitiveness and ensuring that all players adhere to the standards set forth by the league. Singer’s return later in the season will depend on his compliance with MLB’s requirements and the team’s assessment of his readiness.
This article will be updated as more information becomes available.