The Mets just announced they have signed OF Marlon Byrd to a Minor League contract with an invite to Spring Training.
Byrd, 35, was suspended for 50 games in June after testing positive for performance enhancing drugs last season.
“I made an inexcusable mistake,” Byrd said in a statement . “Several years ago, I had surgery for a condition that was private and unrelated to baseball. Last winter, I suffered a recurrence of that condition and I was provided with a medication that resulted in my positive test. Although that medication is on the banned list, I absolutely did not use it for performance-enhancement reasons.”
“I am mortified by my carelessness and I apologize to everyone who loves this game as I do. I will serve my suspension, continue to work hard and hope that I am given an opportunity to help a club win later this season.”
Byrd batted .210/.243/.245 with two doubles, one home run and nine RBI in 47 games with the Cubs and Red Sox. He is a career .278 hitter with 82 homers and 445 RBIs over 11 seasons with the Phillies, Nationals, Rangers, Cubs and Red Sox.
