Braun has tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug and faces a 50-game suspension if the initial finding is upheld, according to ESPN.com.
Major League Baseball reportedly hasn't announced the positive test because the Brewers outfielder is disputing the result through arbitration.
The reigning National League MVP reportedly had to provide a urine sample during the playoffs and was notified of the positive test in late October. The result came from elevated levels of testosterone in Braun's system, which was later determined to be synthetic.
A player is considered having tested positive in the MLB if his ratio of testosterone and epitestosterone is higher than 4-to-1 — the typical ratio is 1-to-1.
Braun has reportedly told those around him that he did not knowingly take any banned substances, which he hopes to prove through the arbitration process. No player has ever successfully appealed a positive test, though.
Brewers spokesman Tyler Barnes said that the team has no knowledge of the positive test and hasn't been contacted by the commissioner's office, but Braun's spokesman issued a statement regarding the matter, which says:
"There are highly unusual circumstances surrounding this case which will support Ryan's complete innocence and demonstrate there was absolutely no intentional violation of the program. While Ryan has impeccable character and no previous history, unfortunately, because of the process we have to maintain confidentiality and are not able to discuss it any further, but we are confident he will ultimately be exonerated."
Braun burst onto the scene as a rookie in 2007, blasting 34 home runs en route to the Rookie of the Year Award. He's been to the All-Star Game each year since, while becoming one of the game's most feared hitters.
Braun led the Brewers to the NL Central division title this past season. He finished with 33 home runs, 111 RBIs, a .332 average and 33 stolen bases. Matt Kemp finished second in NL MVP voting.
