(1090 The Fan) – The anti-doping effort in Major League Baseball gained significant ground Thursday after the league and the Major League Baseball Players Association announced a tweak to their Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.

New rules will allow for unannounced, random blood testing for the detection of hGH during the regular season, beginning in 2013.

Next season the World Anti-Doping Agency will also maintain a profile program, in which a Player’s baseline Testosterone/Epitestosterone ratio and other data will be monitored by a laboratory, according to a press released issued by Major League Baseball.

Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig said: “This agreement addresses critical drug issues and symbolizes Major League Baseball’s continued vigilance against synthetic human growth hormone, Testosterone and other performance-enhancing substances.”

MLBPA Executive Director Michael Weiner said: “The Players are determined to do all they can to continually improve the sport’s Joint Drug Agreement.  Players want a program that is tough, scientifically accurate, backed by the latest proven scientific methods, and fair; I believe these changes firmly support the Players’ desires while protecting their legal rights.”

-Chris Coyle, The Fan

(TM and © Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)