Free-agent pitcher Carlos Martinez Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

A former All-Star pitcher is facing a more difficult road back to an MLB roster.

Carlos Martinez has been suspended 80 games by MLB, the league announced Friday. Martinez was suspended because he tested positive for the banned substance Ibutamoren.

Martinez, 30, pitched for the St. Louis Cardinals from 2013 to 2021. He went 62-52 with a 3.74 ERA during his Cardinals career, making the All-Star team in 2015 and 2017.

Martinez has struggled the last two seasons. He went 0-3 with a 9.90 ERA in 2020 and 4-9 with a 6.23 ERA last season. The 6-foot pitcher missed time last season due to a thumb injury.

Martinez pitched for the Giants during spring training and was released last month. The Red Sox then picked him up but released him after he struggled in the minors.

The suspension on top of his recent struggles could make it extremely difficult for him to make it back to the majors again.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Watch: Rangers' World Series banner unveiling leaves a lot to be desired
Watch: Juan Soto cuts down runner at plate to save game for Yankees
Royals' Cole Ragans sets franchise record in impressive Opening Day start
Guardians trade for two pitchers to round out Opening Day roster
UNC HC Mack Brown explains why ceiling for QB Drake Maye is 'so high'
Patrick Beverley's decision to play through his injury is a boost for Bucks
Corbin Burnes dominates in Orioles debut, significantly raises their ceiling
Watch: Base running error spoils Shohei Ohtani's first home Dodgers at-bat
LeBron James breaks news of college basketball coaching hire
Rob Manfred makes first public comments on MLB’s Shohei Ohtani investigation
Jets owner blasts report about alleged 'heated conversation' with HC Robert Saleh
Scottie Scheffler favored to win third straight PGA Tour event after hot start in Houston
Mass confusion surrounds Bucks guard's wrist injury
Hornets shut down star guard for remainder of the season
Panthers two-time Pro Bowler expands on defense of Bryce Young
Yankees place ace on 60-day injured list
Bills sign veteran defensive tackle
Did breakup with J-Lo cost Alex Rodriguez the Timberwolves?
Saquon Barkley: Eagles were 'no-brainer' pick despite interest from AFC South contender
Timberwolves make major decision regarding ownership