Royals infield prospect Raul Mondesi Jr. has been suspended for 50 games by Major League Baseball after testing positive for Clenbuterol, a performance-enhancing drug, thus violating the joint drug agreement. The suspension is effective immediately. Although the 20 year-old is the shortstop for their class AA roster, he is subjected to the major league testing policy because he is a member of the Royals’ 40-man roster.
Raul Mondesi Jr. suspended 50 games for PED violation
Mondesi – son of 13-year major league veteran Raul Mondesi – had his suspension reduced from 80 games because he was able to show the banned substance was contained in a cold medicine that he ingested. Mondesi in a statement released by the MLBPA:
“I took an over-the-counter medication (Subrox-C) which I bought in the Dominican Republic to treat cold and flu symptoms. I failed to read the labeling on the medication or consult with my trainer or team about taking it and did not know it contained a banned substance. I tested positive for that banned substance, with a minuscule amount of Clenbuterol in my system which could not have possibly enhanced my performance on the field, and now must face the consequences of that mistake.” (USA Today)
Mondesi Became the first player in history to make his MLB debut in the World Series. The Royals added him to the roster last fall against the New York Mets, and surprisingly appeared as a pinch-hitter in the fourth inning of Game 3. Before the season began, MLB.com had Mondesi ranked as the Kansas City Royals top prospect in their system. He’s currently hitting .250 with 5 home runs this season.
Dayton Moore on Mondesi suspension for PEDs: “This is an unfortunate incident that we believe to be an innocent mistake.”
— Rustin Dodd (@rustindodd) May 10, 2016
Main Photo Credit
Caption: SURPRISE, AZ – MARCH 14: Raul Mondesi #27 of the Kansas City Royals rounds third base and scores a run during the seventh inning against the Chicago White Sox at Surprise Stadium on March 14, 2016 in Surprise, Arizona. Royals won 9-3. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
