Cleveland Indians: Joe Colon suspended for remainder of the season

Joe Colon has been suspended for the remainder of the season for PED use, likely derailing his future with the Cleveland Indians organization.

Joe Colon was not likely to crack the Cleveland Indians’ bullpen in 2017, but his chances of ever doing so seem slim now.

News broke Saturday that Colon, who was pitching in Triple-A Columbus, was hit with his second PED suspension.

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Colon made 11 appearances for the Indians in 2016, but never did enough to warrant a spot in the bullpen. Even entering the 2017 season, it was clear he was not going to make the roster over Shawn Armstrong or Nick Goody.

But any chance he had of proving himself may be dashed, as a second PED suspension could be enough for the organization to cut him loose and add a player who is more reliable.

Each PED suspension must be put in context, but regardless of the situation, being suspended twice as a minor leaguer doesn’t bode well for a player’s MLB chances.

An exception would be made if Colon was a top prospect, but he is simply not at that level.

Indians fans saw PED suspensions rock the roster a year ago, as Marlon Byrd had his career ended by a full-season suspension, and Abraham Almonte missed out on the first 80 games and the postseason after a positive test of his own.

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The Indians don’t need to make an immediate decision on Colon’s future, but there really isn’t any reason to keep him around unless the front office is convinced he can add value in a trade next year. But that may be a stretch.