MLB starts testing minor leaguers for HGH
Major League Baseball announced yesterday it will implement random blood testing for human growth hormones in the minor leagues.
The move makes baseball the first professional sports league in the United States to adopt HGH testing and becomes part of the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program introduced by baseball commissioner Bud Selig in 2001.
Testing will only be limited to players with minor league contracts as they are not members of the players association.
"The implementation of blood testing in the minor leagues represents a significant step in the detection of the illegal use of human growth hormone. HGH testing provides an example for all of our drug policies in the future,” Selig said in a statement.
With blood testing not currently part of the collective bargaining agreement, major leaguers can’t be tested unless approved by the players association and executive vice president of labour relations Rob Manfred said both parties are in ongoing discussions.
"Obviously, we make a separate decision with regard to the minor-league program, but the Major League Baseball Players Association has been proactively engaged in conversations with us on the scientific and logistical issues associated with blood testing at the major league level," said Manfred.
Though MLB has implemented testing in the minor leagues the players association is still waiting for a scientifically validated test and once one is approved it will be considered.
"The union's position on HGH testing remains unchanged. When a test is available that is scientifically validated and can be administered safely and without interfering with the players' ability to compete, it will be considered,” union executive director Michael Weiner said.
"We have been engaged with the Commissioners' Office on this subject for several months, though they have not shared with us the specifics behind their decision to begin blood testing of minor leaguers," Weiner said. "We look forward to further discussions."
Despite the union’s unwillingness to accept the testing people inside the game think it’s a positive step for the game.
LA Dodgers manager Joe Torre said: "Whatever has to be done to gain the full trust of the fans, we have to do what we can."
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