Chris Davis Suspended 25 Games After Testing Positive for Amphetamines [Update]

The Baltimore Orioles are cruising to their first American League East title since 1997, however the good vibes in Camden Yards appear like they’re going to take a hit with Chris Davis handed a 25-game suspension for amphetamine use Friday morning.

From a logistics standpoint, the Orioles have played 145 games so far this season. If Davis doesn’t appeal he’d miss 17 regular season game and then have to sit out eight in the playoffs to cover the 25 games.

Davis had a huge year in 2013, hitting 53 home runs to go along with a .286/.370/.634 line. He was persistently questioned about PED use during the season and repeatedly denied it. This year his numbers have fallen off a cliff, dropping to 26 home runs with a .196/.300/.404 line.

Given that the Division Series is only five games — at most — the Orioles would probably have to reach the World Series for Davis to appear in the postseason. It’s doubtful Buck Showalter would use a roster spot on Davis in a potential ALCS if, at best, he’d be able to play in Game 4. As Fangraphs points out, its unclear whether or not Davis’ suspension would apply to the entire postseason or not since his positive test is for amphetamines compared to PEDs.

UPDATE: Davis issued a statement saying the failed test was for Adderall and that he previously had an exemption for it. He also says he’ll begin serving the suspension immediately.

RELATED: Chris Davis Has 37 Homers at the All-Star Break and Never Failed a Drug Test, Shouldn’t We Trust Him?