The run of injuries was pretty crazy. I think it was on 3 consecutive days we found out Eovaldi, Wacha and Hill were all going on the IL. Then Sale.
Plus Kike, Story and Devers.
We were too thin to be able to withstand that many injuries.
It looks like Gerrit Cole has the opposite problem from McGuire. Since they banned the stickum, Gerrit has a problem getting a good grip on his balls...
I think you have to look at each case individually. McGwire's use of andro was pretty well documented. And his vastly reduced size when he testified before Congress was pretty embarrassing.
The difference shows up in the numbers.
The numbers of Dalbec-Duran-Downs-Franchy indicate they may not be major league players.
But you're right that the difference is not that big at this level.