Marlon Byrd was hit with a 50-game suspension Monday after testing positive for Tamoxifen, an MLB-banned performance-enhancing substance. The former Boston Red Sox outfielder admitted that he took the substance in a statement, but maintained that he did not use it to gain any kind of competitive advantage.

"I made an inexcusable mistake," Byrd said in the statement. "Although that medication is on the banned list, I absolutely did not use it for performance enhancement reasons.

"I am mortified by my carelessness and I apologize to everyone who loves this game as I do. I will serve my suspension, continue to work hard and hope that I am given an opportunity to help a club win later this season."

Byrd's suspension begins immediately. He won't be eligible to return until Aug. 20, assuming he is even picked up by a team. The 2010 All-Star is currently a free agent after being released by the Red Sox earlier this month.

For more coverage of the Red Sox, visit our blog Over The Monster.