Colorado Rockies minor leaguer Mike Jacobs became the first athlete in a North American pro sports league to be suspended for testing positive for human growth hormone, MLB said Thursday.
The 30-year-old first baseman, who has played six seasons in the major leagues, was suspended for 50 games after testing positive for HGH -- the first such case since MLB instituted blood tests for doping in the minor leagues a year ago.
Jacobs, who has played for the New York Mets, Florida Marlins and Kansas City Royals, was leading the Rockies' triple-A club in Colorado Springs in home runs (23), doubles (30) and RBI (97).
The Rockies announced they were releasing Jacobs.
"It is yet further indication of the fact that the test works and that it should be used more widely," World Anti-Doping Agency chief David Howman said in a statement.
"It is clear that HGH is one of the biggest threats to sport right now and has been for many years. Athletes have taken it with impunity because it was not detectable."
Jacobs said he took HGH to try to recover from injuries.
"A few weeks ago, in an attempt to overcome knee and back problems, I made the terrible decision to take HGH," Jacobs said in a statement.
"I apologize to my family, friends, the Colorado Rockies organization, Major League Baseball and to the fans."
Jacobs has a .253 batting average with 100 home runs and 310 RBI in 556 major league games.
He said he hopes to make a comeback after serving the suspension.
