Atlanta Braves players celebrating after scoring a run.
IN PHOTO: Apr 7, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves left fielder Kelly Johnson (right) is greeted by third baseman Chris Johnson (left) after both scored runs during the first inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta Braves pitcher Andrew McKirahan became the fifth player to fail a drug test this season, having tested positive for banned growth hormone ipamorelin. He has been suspended for 80 games by the MLB and will lose up to $221,858 of his $507,500 salary for this season.

He is the second Braves player to be suspended after Arodys Vizcaino. Three others have been suspended for a similar number of games this season, including the New York Mets’ Jenrry Mejia, Minnesota Twins’ Ervin Santana and Seattle’s David Rollins. Vizcaino, Mejia, Rollins and Santana, all tested positive for using Stanozolol, which is usually used by body builders.

McKirahan was selected with the 21st pick by the Chicago Cubs in the 2011 amateur draft and then picked up by Miami in the winter meeting draft held for unprotected players and then taken up after waivers by Atlanta. He has an ERA of 4.15 for three games this season.

Ipamorelin is a growth hormone, and it is reported that McKirahan admitted to using a cream during spring training that might have contained the banned substance, and apologized to the team on Sunday. The Braves signed him off waivers only on April 2, but his positive dope test was conducted before that, sometime in March.

"I am extremely sorry for letting down the Atlanta Braves organization, my coaches, teammates and the Braves fans. I also sincerely apologize to my family, who has helped me reach this point in my career. This is in no way a reflection of my character or morals. I will work hard during my suspension and pray that everyone will find it in their hearts to forgive me,” McKirahan said in a statement released through the MLB Players’ Association.

With Vizcaino and now McKirahan suspended, and Shae Simmons having undergone Tommy John surgery earlier this year, the Braves may call up a left handed pitcher in Donnie Veal or Ian Thomas from the Triple-A Gwinnett.

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