Max Kepler indicators with Diamondbacks whereas nonetheless serving PED suspension

PHOENIX — The Arizona Diamondbacks have signed outfielder Max Kepler, who continues to be serving an 80-game suspension for testing constructive for performance-enhancing medication.

Phrases of the deal introduced on Sunday weren’t accessible.

Kepler will be unable to report back to the group till June 25, when his suspension ends. He’ll stay on the restricted listing and never rely towards Arizona’s 40-man roster till then.

Kepler examined constructive in January for Epitrenbolone, a metabolite of Trenbolone that is contained in some merchandise utilized in body-building shops and has been utilized in merchandise to advertise cattle development. Kepler was the primary participant suspended by MLB for the substance since public bulletins of the penalty particulars started in 2005.

The 33-year-old Kepler hit .216 with 18 homers and 52 RBIs with Philadelphia final yr after agreeing to a $10 million, one-year contract. He was slowed in 2024 by left patellar tendinitis and had core surgical procedure after the season to restore a sports activities hernia.

Kepler grew up in Germany and signed with the Twins at age 16 in 2009. He has a .235 common with 179 homers and 560 RBIs throughout an 11-year massive league profession.