MLB, players union near deal on tougher drug policy

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

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the agreement is still being negotiated.

The new agreement would increase drug penalties and implement widespread carbon isotope testing, the official said, hoping to dramatically increase the detection of synthetic testosterone. Of 14 players suspended last season for receiving performance- enhancing drugs from South Florida wellness clinic Biogenesis, none failed a drug test.

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

Players who tested positive because of inadvertent use will have their suspensions reduced from 50 games to 25.

Philadelphia Phillies infielder Freddy Galvis was suspended for 50 games in June 2012 for a Clostebol metabolite he says was contained in foot cream. San Francisco Giants reliever Guillermo Mota was suspended for 100 games in May 2012 for Clenbuterol he says was included in cough medicine.