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The Cuban player Julio César Rodríguez has been suspended for 80 games without pay after failing a doping test in the Minor Leagues of American baseball, as announced this Friday by Major League Baseball (MLB).
Rodríguez, 25 years old and originally from Santa Cruz del Sur, Camagüey, tested positive for nandrolone, a banned substance under the Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program of the Minor Leagues. The sanction took effect immediately.
The right-handed pitcher currently belongs to the Corpus Christi Hooks, the Double-A affiliate of the Houston Astros, although he had only pitched 4.1 innings at that level this season. He also played in Class A, where he completed 28 innings.
Rodríguez signed with the San Francisco Giants in 2018 for a $300,000 bonus and briefly reached the Triple-A level with the Sacramento River Cats in 2023. He was acquired by the Astros last December through the Rule 5 draft during its Triple-A phase.
During six years in the minor leagues, Rodríguez accumulated 219.2 innings as a reliever, with a record of 18 wins and 10 losses, and an ERA of 4.71.
With this suspension, the young player from Camagüey becomes the sixth athlete sanctioned this year under the minor leagues' anti-doping program, and the eighth in total across the entire MLB system.
Similar cases have been reported in recent months, such as that of the gardener Jurickson Profar of the Atlanta Braves, and the closer José Alvarado of the Philadelphia Phillies, both sanctioned for 80 games in Major League Baseball.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Suspension of Cuban Pitcher Julio César Rodríguez
Why was the Cuban pitcher Julio César Rodríguez suspended?
Julio César Rodríguez has been suspended for testing positive for doping after nandrolone, a prohibited substance, was found in his system. This sanction means he will be unable to play for 80 games in the Minor Leagues of MLB.
What is the impact of this suspension on Julio César Rodríguez's career?
The suspension represents a significant blow to Rodríguez's career, as it not only halts his progress toward the Major Leagues but also tarnishes his professional record. The pressure and harsh conditions faced by many Cuban players in search of a spot in the MLB make this sanction even more challenging.
How does the Trump administration's policy affect the situation of Cuban players in Major League Baseball?
The Trump administration has suspended the agreement between the Cuban Baseball Federation and MLB, further complicating the prospects for Cuban players to sign with MLB teams. This means that players must demonstrate permanent residency outside of Cuba and sever ties with the Cuban regime to be eligible.
What other measures has MLB taken regarding doping in the Minor Leagues?
The MLB continues to strengthen its anti-doping controls to ensure cleanliness and fairness in the sport. So far this year, Rodríguez is the sixth player sanctioned under the Minor Leagues' anti-doping program, demonstrating the organization's commitment to these regulations.
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