Major League Baseball said the 34-year-old Byrd tested positive for Tamoxifen, which can reduce side effects of steroid use and increase testosterone. It is often used to treat breast cancer patients.
"I made an inexcusable mistake," Byrd said in a statement released by the players association. "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."
Byrd is currently a free agent and will be placed on the restricted list for the duration of his suspension, which began immediately. He started the season with the Cubs and was dealt to the Red Sox on April 21. He was designated for assignment by Boston on June 9 and released four days later.
Orioles: Infielder Miguel Tejada was released from his minor league contract at his request. Tejada signed with the Orioles last month and was assigned to Triple-A Norfolk, where he hit .259 with no homers and 18 RBIs in 36 games. Tejada, who won the 2002 A.L. MVP award with the A's, has a lifetime average of .285 with 304 homers and 1,282 RBIs.
Nationals:Outfielder Xavier Nady was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a tendinitis in his right wrist. He was batting .157 with three home runs and six RBIs in 40 games.
Mets: Manager Terry Collins says right-hander Bobby Parnell will serve as the team's closer while Frank Francisco is on the 15-day disabled list with a left oblique strain. Parnell has seven career saves in 22 chances.
Rockies: Marco Scutaro walked off the field under his own power after being hit in the helmet by a 95 mph fastball from Washington's Stephen Strasburg in the sixth inning.
  • Struggling right-hander Alex White was optioned to Triple-A Colorado Springs, one day after his third consecutive poor start. During those three starts, White worked just 101/3 innings and went 0-2 with a 9.58 ERA with 10 walks and eight strikeouts.
    Twins: Closer Matt Capps was placed on the 15-day disabled list with inflammation in his right shoulder.