The top prospect in the Kansas City Royals’ organization was suspended 50 games Tuesday for violating Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.
Shortstop Raul Mondesi, the son of the former major leaguer of the same name, released a statement apologizing for and accepting the suspension, which was handed down after he tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance called Clenbuterol.
“Today, I agreed to accept a 50-game suspension from Major League Baseball,” Mondesi said, via the Royals’ official website. “It is by far one of the hardest moments I have had to face in my life, but it is a decision that I accept and one that I take full responsibility for as a professional.
“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.”
The 20-year-old Mondesi has yet to make his major league debut. He currently plays for Double-A Northwest Arkansas, posting a .250/.304/.462 slash line with five home runs and 15 RBIs in 25 games this season.
“This is an unfortunate incident that we believe to be an innocent mistake, but these are the consequences that players face when they do not adhere to the policies that have been collectively bargained,” Royals general manager Dayton Moore said in a statement. “We have a protocol in place with our medical team should a player ever have questions about what they may be taking, even if an over-the-counter medication. In this particular case, the protocol was not followed and the consequences are such. We remain supportive of Raul Mondesi Jr.”
Thumbnail photo via Jake Roth/USA TODAY Sports Images
