When Jhonny Peralta's potential record-breaking season was thwarted by a PED suspension
In August 2013, former Detroit Tigers shortstop and third baseman Jhonny Peralta accepted a 50-game suspension in relation to the Biogenesis scandal.
The ejection came while Peralta was in the midst of a record-breaking season, having entered the All-Star break with a .303 batting average, eight home runs and 46 RBIs.
In 2013, numerous MLB players were suspected of purchasing PEDs, notably human growth hormone, from the since-closed Biogenesis of America clinic. Thirteen players, including Peralta, were punished in July with hefty bans of 50 or more games.
Peralta was severely upset, as he was about to be out of the diamond for over one third of the campaign. He said:
"It's going to be disappointing, but there's nothing that I can do," said the former Tigers shortstop expressing his distress."
"Jhonny Peralta has accepted a 50-game suspension." - Jon Morosi
Jhonny Peralta lost more than $1.85 million of his contract as a result of the suspension.
Jhonny Peralta served his suspension and made comeback in September 2013
In September 2013, former Detroit Tigers star Jhonny Peralta returned to the mound and played against the Miami Marlins after serving a 50-game ban.
All-Star shortstop Jose Iglesias took over his position while Peralta was suspended from the major league.
"This is an emotional day for me," Peralta said. "This is where I want to be. I want to be back with the team, helping in any way I can."
"DETROIT ROCK CITY! Jhonny hits a 3-run shot to tie the game with A's in 5th. Peralta's 1st HR since the 50-game suspension." - SportsCenter
After the conclusion of the season, Peralta signed a $53 million, four-year contract with the Cardinals on November 24, 2013. He last played in the MLB for St. Louis in 2017 before being released by the team.