Orioles’ Chris Davis tests positive for amphetamines, suspended 25 games

The Baltimore Orioles will be without Chris Davis for at least some of the playoffs after the slugger received a 25-game suspension for using amphetamines.

“I apologize to my teammates, coaches, the Orioles organization and especially the fans,” Davis said in a statement. “I made a mistake by taking Adderall. I had permission to use it in the past, but do not have a therapeutic use exemption this year. I accept my punishment and will begin serving my suspension immediately.”

The announcement of Davis’ positive drug test and suspension came from Commissioner Bud Selig’s office Friday, with the Orioles leading the American League East by 10 games with 17 remaining in the regular season.

So although the loss of Davis shouldn’t prevent the Orioles from making the postseason for the second time in three years, it could affect what happens once they get there, because the suspension would last into a second series, should they make it that far.

A seven-year veteran, Davis emerged as a star in 2013, making his first All-Star game appearance and finishing third in MVP voting after leading the AL in RBIs, home runs and extra-base hits.

This season, however, has been a different story. He’s hitting .196 with 26 homers and 72 RBIs in 145 games. He only leads the AL in one category: strikeouts.

Still, it’s another blow to a team that will already be without catcher Matt Wieters and third baseman Manny Machado, both of whom sustained season-ending injuries.

“I’m disappointed,” Orioles Manager Buck Showalter said. “I know Chris is too. It is what it is. We’re going to try and deal with it and move on. The timing is never good. It’s one of those challenges.”

Etc.

Miami pitcher Anthony DeSclafani received a three-game suspension and Milwaukee pitcher Mike Fiers was fined for actions Thursday after Marlins slugger Giancarlo Stanton was hit in the face by a Fiers pitch. DeSclafani was punished for intentionally throwing a pitch at the Brewers’ Carlos Gomez, Fiers for hitting Reed Johnson on the hand with his next pitch.

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Oakland activated closer Sean Doolittle from the disabled list.

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Cincinnati scratched right-hander Mat Latos from his start Saturday at Milwaukee due to a bone bruise in his right elbow.

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St. Louis pitcher Michael Wacha, who has struggled since returning from the DL in early September, was pushed back in the rotation, with rookie left-hander Marco Gonzales scheduled to start Sunday.

Twitter: @chewkiii