MLB, players union near deal on tougher drug policy

<Promotional Codesp>Major League Baseball and the players association are negotiating the most stringent drug program in the sport's history, a high-ranking Major League Baseball official told USA TODAY Sports, and the updated policy is expected to be finalized early next week.

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The official spoke to USA TODAY Sports on condition of anonymity because the agreement is still being negotiated.

The new agreement will not only increase the drug penalties, but also implement widespread carbon isotope testing, the official said, hoping to dramatically increase the detection of a synthetic testosterone. There were 14 players suspended last season for receiving performance-enhancing drugs from South Florida wellness clinic, Biogenesis, but none failed a drug test.

The official said first-time offenses will be 80 games, an increase from 50, and a second offense will be for an entire 162-game season instead of 100 games. There will be a lifetime suspension for a third offense.

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Also, players who tested positive because of inadvertent use, will now have their suspensions reduced from 50 games to 25. Phillies infielder Freddy Galvis was suspended 50 games in June 2012 for Clostebol Metabolite, which he insists contained foot cream. San Francisco Giants reliever Guillermo Mota was suspended 100 games in May 2012 for Clenbuterol, saying it was included in his cough medicine. ​