Tampa Bay Rays prospect Nick Ciuffo suspended for drug use
More suspensions for failed drug tests were announced on Saturday, with Tampa Bay Rays prospect Nick Ciuffo amongst the four players suspended.
Suspensions have been coming rapidly over the past few days in the minor leagues. Just a couple of days ago, two players were suspended for failed drug tests. On Saturday, four more suspensions were announced, with Tampa Bay Rays catcher Nick Ciuffo amongst the players suspended.
The timing is particularly unfortunate for Cuiffo. He was slated to join the Rays for Spring Training as a non-roster invitee in the next few days. He had a solid showing at AA Montgomery, with a .245/.319/.385 batting line, hitting seven homers and 29 doubles. His throwing arm was also impressive, as he gunned down 38% of would be basestealers last year. While he is likely ticketed for AAA for the 2018 season, he has a chance to be the Rays catcher of the future. However, his season will be delayed until June, as he is being suspended 50 games for a second failed test for a drug of abuse.
Former Tampa Bay reliever Steve Geltz was also suspended on Saturday. He had been a key part of the Rays bullpen in 2015, appearing in 70 games while posting a 3.74 ERA and a 1.054 WHiP, striking out 61 batters in 67.1 innings. However, he struggled in 2016, and was sent back to the minors. Geltz signed with the Dodgers for 2017, and spent the entire year in AAA before signing with the Phillies in January. He faces a 100 game suspension due to his third failed test for a drug of abuse.
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Pirates second baseman Mitchell Tolman, like Ciuffo, was banned 50 games for a second failed drug test. A seventh round draft pick of the Pirates in the 2015 MLB Amateur Draft, he spent the 2017 campaign with the Bradenton Marauders, where he produced a .267/.363/.394 batting line, hitting nine homers and stealing 14 bases. He played in the Arizona Fall League, but struggled with a .197/.290/.328 batting line in 67 plate appearances.
Padres 2017 draft pick Alex Cunningham was the final player suspended, earning a 50 game ban for use of Amphetamine. The ninth round draft pick appeared in eight games across three levels, posting a 5.73 ERA and a 1.545 WHiP. In his 11 innings, Cunningham struck out 16 batters, showing some potential for the future.
These suspensions may cause the most damage to Ciuffo and Geltz. The Phillies need bullpen help, and with a solid showing in Spring Training, Geltz could have returned to the majors. However, with his failed drug test, his chances of pitching for the Phillies have decreased.
Ciuffo, meanwhile, will have a shorter season to show the improvements the Rays are hoping for as they look for a long term answer behind the plate. With Wilson Ramos set to be a free agent after the upcoming year, there is a future opening. A strong showing by Ciuffo could give him the role in 2019.
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Tampa Bay Rays prospect Nick Ciuffo is one of four minor leaguers suspended for failing a drug test. These failures could cost at least two players an opportunity this season.