On Tuesday evening word came down that the Commissioner’s Office had suspended four minor league players for violations of the substance abuse policy. OF Mitch LeVier, OF Timo Perez, C Oscar Rodriguez and RHP Kelvin Santana were each banned 50 games.
Perez (36) – who tested positive for Ritalinic Acid and Methylphenidate (Ritalin) – hasn’t appeared in the majors since 2007. He spent the 2011 season playing for the Toledo Mud Hens (AAA) in the Tigers system and hit 0.304/.344/.410 in 122 G. Timo was released after the season and his career may be at an end.
Rodriguez spent 2011 on the restricted list after signing with the Red Sox back in May. He tested positive for anabolic steroids – Nandrolone and Stanozolol – and had his contract voided.
Santana (21) spent his 3rd season in the Dominican Summer League, this time around with the DSL Astros. It was his 3rd organization in 4 years. He spent 2008 with the DSL Orioles, 2009 with the DSL O’s and Brewers, and then missed the entire 2010 season. With a 0.00 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 31-13 SO-to-BB in 20.1 IP it was Kelvin’s finest season as a professional but he was very old for the level and was released by the Astros. He tested positive for the anabolic steroid, Boldenone.
Finally we come to LeVier, the 9th round pick of the Oakland A’s in the 2008 draft. He spent the entire 2011 season with the Stockton Ports in the California League (A+). He hit 0.218/.266/.395 with 14 2B and 15 HR in 395 PA and now has a 0.240/.288/.381 line with 221 SO and 50 BB in 224 career minor league games. His positive test – which was his second – was for a “drug of abuse.”
None of the four players who were suspended have much chance of reaching the majors, or getting back to the majors in Timo’s case, which is probably why they were violating league policy in the first place.
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