PED Suspension Hits Nationals Hard: Travis Blankenhorn Out for 50 Games....

The Washington Nationals have been dealt a significant blow with the news that prospect Travis Blankenhorn has been suspended for 50 games due to a violation of Major League Baseball’s performance-enhancing drug (PED) policy.

Blankenhorn, a 26-year-old infielder, was expected to be a key contributor to the Twins’ lineup this season. However, his suspension, which was announced by MLB on Friday, means he will now miss nearly a third of the season.

The Twins organization has expressed disappointment and support for Blankenhorn, who has apologized for his actions. “We’re disappointed in Travis’ decision to use PEDs, but we’ll support him through this process,” said a team spokesperson.

Blankenhorn’s suspension comes at a critical time for the Twins, who are looking to build on their successful 2023 season. The team will now need to scramble to find a replacement for the suspended infielder.

The suspension is a reminder that PED use remains a serious issue in professional sports, and that even promising young players can make mistakes that have significant consequences.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story!

(Note: This article is hypothetical, as I don’t have access to real-time news or specific information about Travis Blankenhorn’s current situation.)

The Dodgers made another move, this one being official with the club. They signed infielder/outfielder Travis Blankenhorn to a deal, adding him to the 40-man roster. In a corresponding move, the Dodgers placed Dustin May on the 60-day IL.

Once the Dodgers place Edwin Rios on the 60-Day IL, they will have one additional spot remaining on the 40-man.

During his time in the minors, Blankenhorn has played 212 games at second base, 142 games at third base and 31 games in the outfield. He’s also briefly spent time at first base and shortstop. His ability to play all over is definitely something the Dodgers prioritize.

In regards to his bat, he’s a career .257 hitter with an OPS of .755. He’s hit 56 homers and driven in 245 runs in 456 games. The 24-year-old only has three major-league at bats under his belt, but he does have a double.

With a number of injuries to the club, this adds more depth with a glove that can play all over the diamond and a bat that has definitely put up some decent numbers.

In case you missed it, the Dodgers also reportedly signed RHP Nate Jones to a minor-league deal.

2015 to the Minnesota Twins, was a top prospect in their organization from 2016 to 2019, including their #7 prospect in 2017. Travis made his MLB debut during the COVID season with Minnesota in 2020 and went 1-3 with a double. Blankenhorn would eventually be DFA’d by the Twins in 2021 and be claimed by the Mets. After 2 seasons in New York’s system, Blankenhorn was released. Blankenhorn only amassed 26 games over that span. Mike Rizzo signed Blankenhorn to a MiLB deal in the 2023 offseason. Since being acquired, Blankenhorn has been steering his career in a better direction. The 27-year-old slashed .262 with 23 homers, 75 RBI, and a .877 OPS in Triple-A. Blankenhorn would eventually be a September call-up and hit .161 with a homer in his first Nationals at-bat, but would only play 10 games before an injury ended Blankenhorn’s season.

Blankenhorn would miss the remainder of the 2023 season and elect free agency. But after a weak market, Blankenhorn returned to DC on a Minor League deal in 2024. In 94 Triple-AAA games, Blankenhorn has hit .246 with a career-high 24 homers, 69 RBI, and .846 OPS. Blankenhorn led the Nationals’ farm system in every major stat category. With players like Nasim Nunez on the roster, Blankenhorn not being on the 26-man roster was a questionable decision for a while. However, with Lane Thomas being traded to the Guardians, Blankenhorn is now getting a real opportunity to prove he belongs.

Blankenhorn will likely be inserted as a platoon player, as he can play RF and platoon with OF Alex Call for the remainder of the season. If they decide to DH Blankenhorn, he can platoon with fellow DH Harold Ramirez. Nonetheless, most players are now playing the placeholder role until OF Dylan Crews gets the call. Crews is expected to be a September call-up when rosters expand to 28.