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KC Royals Raul Mondesi Suspended For PEDs

By Gavin Lee

Mar 30, 2016; Surprise, AZ, USA; Kansas City Royals shortstop Raul Mondesi (27) looks on form the dugout during the sixth inning against the Texas Rangers at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 30, 2016; Surprise, AZ, USA; Kansas City Royals shortstop Raul Mondesi (27) looks on form the dugout during the sixth inning against the Texas Rangers at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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We were promised more PED suspensions, and the MLB has delivered. The latest involves KC Royals prospect Raul Mondesi Jr.

And another one bites the dust. KC Royals’ top prospect Raul Mondesi Jr. (son of former Dodger Raul Mondesi) has been suspended for testing positive for Clenbuterol, a peformance-enhancing drug.  Mondesi was playing for the Northwest Arkansas Naturals, the Royals’ AA affiliate.  He was off to a good start with the bat, slashing .250/.304/.462 through his first 25 games, and still draws rave reviews for his defense at shortstop.

Mondesi claims that he ingested the substance while taking cold medication that he purchased in the Dominican Republic, and he never intended to take a PED. The Commissioner’s office, believing Mondesi after he produced the medicine, has agreed to reduce the suspension from the normal 80 games down to 50.

This will also make Mondesi ineligible for the playoffs in both the minor and major leagues. The Naturals are in first place in their division in the Texas League, and Mondesi was expected to be a September call-up as soon as this season.  This is a major setback in what should be a big development year for him, as he turns 21 on July 27th.

Royals GM Dayton Moore released a statement regarding the situation:

"“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.  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.”"

Next: Reyes reportedly to serve at least 60 game suspension

This is the 44th suspension that has been handed out in the minors this year for drug-related problems, with the vast majority coming as a result of testing positive for a “drug of abuse”, and not a PED.  Major Leaguers Dee Gordon and Chris Colabello have both received 80-game bans this season, testing positive for different substances.

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