SPRINGDALE (KFSM) – Raul Mondesi is considered one of the top prospects in the Kansas City Royals organization but now he’ll be out for the next 50 games after testing positive for performance enhancing drugs.
Mondesi, who is currently with the Northwest Arkansas Naturals, the Royals AA affiliate, tested positive for Clenbuterol. The shortstop was able to reduce an 80-game suspension down to 50-games after he showed the drug can also be found in cold medicine.
“I took an over-the-counter medication (Subrox-C) which I bough in the Dominican Republic to treat cold and flu symptoms,” Mondesi said in a statement. “I failed to read the labeling on the medication or consult with my trainer or team about taking it and did not know it contained a banned substance. I tested positive for that banned substance, with a minuscule amount of Clenbuterol in my system which could not have possibly enhanced my performance on the field, and now must face the consequences of that mistake.”
Mondesi is hitting .250 in 26 games for the Naturals with five doubles and five home runs while driving in 15.
“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,” Royals senior vice president and general manager Dayton Moore said. “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.”
