Tampa Bay Rays hurler Alex Colome suspended for 50 games
Rays pitcher Alex Colome was slapped with a 50-game suspension due to a positive test for Bolenone. (Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)
Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports that Rays pitcher Alex Colome has tested positive for the substance Boldenone.
Boldenone’s original use was for horses in order to increase their performance. It also became increasingly popular with bodybuilders. The linked article also states that Boldenone is more of a supplemental, or “add-on” steroid, that is generally used in conjunction with other steroids.
Topkin has this statement from the Rays:
"We were disappointed to learn of Alex Colome’s violation of Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. We fully support Major League Baseball’s policy and its efforts to eliminate performance-enhancing substances from our game. Per the protocol outlined in the Joint Drug Program, the organization will not comment further on this matter."
Last season, Colome’s season was cut short due to an elbow strain. MLB.com’s Bill Chastain notes that 2013 was the second straight year in which Colome had his season cut short due to an injury.
The Rays had optioned Colome to the minors the 8th of this month. He will begin serving his suspension the season begins.