Oakland A’s catcher Beau Taylor is back on track after drug suspension

MESA, Ariz. - Last spring, Beau Taylor was not in the A’s big-league camp for the first time in five years, a dark cloud over the catcher’s career after violating baseball’s drug rules.

The way Taylor handled his punishment, a 50-game suspension, was so impressive, however, the A’s re-signed him as a minor-league free agent this winter - and he’s right back in big-league camp with a pitching staff that absolutely loves him. Among the six catchers at Hohokam Stadium, he might be the most beloved by the men on the mound.

“Beau develops such a good relationship with pitchers,” reliever Bobby Wahl said, “that when you’re out there, it’s almost relaxing.