When San Diego Padres catcher Pedro Severino cited failed family planning attempts as the catalyst for his use of banned substances

San Diego Padres catcher Pedro Severino was suspended for 80 games in 2022 after testing positive for a banned substance in MLB.

Severino linked his illegal drug use to poor family planning. He claimed that after he and his wife saw a doctor following unsuccessful attempts to extend their family, he unknowingly swallowed clomiphene. It is a medication used in fertility treatments that has been shown to enhance testosterone production.

As reported by The Athletic in 2022, Severino said:

"When we returned to the Dominican Republic after the 2021 season, we sought medical assistance to determine why we had not succeeded. One of the doctors I consulted with prescribed me with a medication to treat infertility issues. Unfortunately, I now know that the medication contained Clomiphene."

The Milwaukee Brewers inked Severino to a $1.9 million, one-year deal on Nov. 21, 2021. After testing positive for Clomiphene in 2022, Severino was given a 80-game ban.

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On July 3, he rejoined the Brewers. Prior to being designated for assignment by the Brewers on Aug. 3, Severino had a 4-for-18 (.222) batting average in eight games.

Pedro Severino accepted his mistake and didn't challenge his suspension

Severino accepted his mistake and said that it was just his attempt to start a family:

"I accept responsibility for this mistake and have decided not to challenge my suspension. I have been a professional baseball player since I was 16 years old, and I have also been in the big leagues for parts of (seven) seasons. I have been tested over 100 times in my career and I had never had an issue. In my attempt to start a family, I made a mistake."

Bob Nightengale first reported Severino's suspension.

"Milwaukee #Brewers catcher Pedro Severino receives an 80-game suspension after testing positive for Clomiphene." - Bob Nightengale

The San Diego Padres and Pedro Severino agreed to a minor league contract in 2022.