Mariners’ Montero denies involvement with anti-aging clinic

PEORIA, Ariz. — Mariners catcher Jesus Montero on Tuesday again denied any involvement with a Florida-based anti-aging clinic under investigation by Major League Baseball.

According to a published report last week, Montero was named in records belonging to Biogenesis of America LLC, the now-closed clinic in Coral Gables, Fla., that has purportedly been linked to performance-enhancing drugs. Montero said he didn’t know why his name popped up in the records.

“I don’t have anything to do with those people. I know my agency is handling everything. I don’t know anything about it,” Montero said.

“I’m here trying to be ready for spring training and the season. What can I say? It surprised me, too,” he added.

Montero also said his brother, who has the same first and last name, has nothing to do with the clinic. He’s confident that his agents, Sam and Seth Levinson, will clear up the matter.

“I just want to focus on baseball,” Montero said. “They’re (agents) going to handle everything. …. I know I didn’t do anything wrong.”

Montero looks leaner than he did last spring, his first with the Mariners, and attributed that to an offseason conditioning program in his native Venezuela. He worked on better running techniques with a trainer, not to improve speed so much as to be more technically sound.

He said he worked out one or two hours a day, five times a week.

“This year was nothing about hitting, nothing about catching, just concentrating on my body and getting in shape and trying to be better in running and be more flexible,” Montero said.

Montero, 23, batted .260 with 15 home runs and 62 RBIs last season. He was the Mariners’ starting designated hitter for 77 games and started at catcher for 55.

Montero enters 2013 as Seattle’s expected everyday catcher. He was brought in last month to be looked over by team personnel to make sure he was serious about his offseason training program, and also was invited to manager Eric Wedge’s home with his family for a conversation about being the everyday presence behind the plate.

“He was telling me that. That makes me happy,” Montero said. “That makes me want to work harder now that I’m going to be the catcher here every day for a long time.”

Montero will be catching a lot of pitchers in spring training, including veteran right-hander Jon Garland. The Mariners signed Garland to a minor-league deal as non-roster invitee.

Garland, 33, did not pitch in 2012 while rehabilitating from right shoulder surgery but passed his physical. He has a 132-119 career record with a 4.32 ERA. Garland has pitched for the Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Angels, Arizona Diamondbacks, Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres.

“I’m excited to test the arm and just get the competitive juices going again and then get back there on the mound,” Garland said, proclaiming himself fully healthy. “One hundred percent. There’s no question in my mind.”

Seattle also signed former Milwaukee reliever Kameron Loe to a minor-league deal on Tuesday. Loe appeared in 70 games, going 6-5 with a 4.61 ERA last season for the Brewers.

Also, left-handed starter Joe Saunders arrived for his physical and should be on the field Wednesday for the first workout for pitchers and catchers. The club is expected to sign Saunders, who pitched for Arizona and Baltimore last season, once a roster move is made. Saunders was 9-13 for the Diamondbacks and Orioles last season and was 1-0 in two postseason starts for Baltimore.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Monroe's Halle Keller drives past Meadowdale's Payton Fleishman during a Feb. 14, 2025 3A District 1 playoff game at Meadowdale High School. (Qasim Ali / The Herald)
Last-second layup powers Monroe past Mavs

The Bearcats staged a 50-49 road upset in a district playoff clash.

Shorecrest’s Cassie Chesnut leaps in the air to block a shot by Shorewood’s Bridget Cox during the 3A district playoff game on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 in Shoreline, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Shorecrest girls win rubber match against Shorewood

Cassie Chesnut’s 28 points, 18 rebounds pushes the Scots to District 1 3A semifinals with 53-38 win.

Freshman leads Jackson to 4A district swim title

Syunta Lee sets two meet records as Timberwolves edge Lake Stevens.

Shorecrest wins 3A district swim title

Snohomish’s Torsten Hokanson sets two meet records and leads two winning relays.

Snohomish’s Kendall Hammer yells in celebration with teammate Snohomish’s Sienna Capelli after she makes a shot and is fouled during the game on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep basketball roundup for Friday, Feb. 14

Snohomish, Stanwood girls cruise into district semis.

Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for Feb. 2-8

The Athlete of the Week nominees for Feb. 2-8. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Mountlake Terrace’s Svayjeet Singh leaps in the air after the basketball during the 3A district loser-out playoff game against Snohomish on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025 in Mountlake Terrace, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Snohomish upsets Mountlake Terrace for first playoff win in 11 years

Bryson Wheat scored 25 in Panthers’ 49-43 win to advance to the District 1 Boys 3A quarterfinals

Julio Rodríguez (left) and manager Dan Wilson (right) of the Seattle Mariners react after the game against the Oakland Athletics at T-Mobile Park on Sept. 27, 2024, in Seattle, Washington. (Steph Chambers / Getty Images / Tribune News Services)
Dan Wilson begins first spring training as M’s manager

An anxious eagerness to get through the first of… Continue reading

Marysville Getchell junior Bubba Palocol reverses directions while dribbling against Arlington during a playoff matchup at Arlington High School on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, in Arlington, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Prep basketball roundup for Thursday, Feb. 13

Marysville Getchell, Lakewood boys each earn district wins

Kenneth Walker III runs with against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Dec. 1, 2024. (Photo courtesy of the Seattle Seahawks)
Seahawks hire run game coach

Justin Outten added to staff as Mike Macdonald continues attempts to bolster rushing attack.

Balanced scoring attack leads Gonzaga

Zags take over second place in WCC with 88-77 win over USF.

Shorewood senior Bridget Cox (11) elevates to get a shot over Everett senior Aimelie Hovde-Girard (21) in Shorewood's 41-30 win in the opening round of the District 1 3A Girls Tournament on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025 in Shoreline, Washington. (Joe Pohoryles / The Herald)
Shorewood girls basketball avoids Everett upset bid in 41-30 win

Glasser’s ‘dagger’ 3 caps second-half run, pushes No. 5 Stormrays to 3A District 1 Quarterfinals

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.