The San Francisco Giants' postseason ambitions suffered a jolt on Wednesday when All-Star outfielder Melky Cabrera was suspended for 50 games for failing a doping test.

The 28-year-old from the Dominican Republic, the Most Valuable Player in this year's All-Star Game, had tested positive for testosterone and admitted to using a substance banned by MLB's drug prevention program.

"My positive test was the result of my use of a substance I should not have used," Cabrera, who will become a free agent after this season, said in a statement.

"I accept my suspension under the joint drug program and I will try to move on with my life.

"I am deeply sorry for my mistake and I apologize to my teammates, to the San Francisco Giants organization and to the fans for letting them down."

Cabrera's suspension was effective immediately, the baseball commissioner's office said in a statement on Wednesday.

The eight-year big-league veteran is batting .346 - second in the National League - with 11 home runs, 84 runs scored and 60 runs batted this season.

San Francisco lost to the Washington Nationals 6-4 on Wednesday in their first game without Cabrera and fell a half-game behind the Los Angeles Dodgers for first place in the National League West with a 64-54 record.

The Giants have only 44 games left in the regular season, so Cabrera's suspension would stretch into the playoffs should they advance that far.

Reuters

(China Daily 08/17/2012 page23)