Major League Baseball has suspended Royals outfielder Jorge Bonifacio 80 games for testing positive for the banned substance Boldenone, according to New York Post reporter Joel Sherman. The 80-game suspension is standard for a first-time offender under baseball’s drug policy. The suspension will begin at the start of the regular season. Bonifacio would be ineligible for the post-season, should the Royals make it.
GM Dayton Moore on the suspension: "This obviously [is] a very disappointing situation for the Royals, our fans and Jorge. He is an incredible person who simple made a mistake. Jorge will have our full support as he deals with the consequences."
— Rustin Dodd (@rustindodd) March 10, 2018
MLB announces an 80-game PED suspension for Jorge Bonifacio. Whatever it's worth, the Royals believe it was an honest, innocent, dumb/lazy mistake.
— Sam Mellinger (@mellinger) March 10, 2018
Boldenone is one of the older performance-enhancing drugs and can be detected for months after a player has taken it, making it one of the more easily-detectable banned substances. Despite this, a number of players have been suspended for it in the past few years, including Astros pitcher David Paulino, outfielder Abraham Almonte, and Mets pitcher Jennry Mejia. The drug is effective at building muscle mass, although it is typically used for horses, and not approved for use in humans.
The 24-year old Bonifacio just completed his rookie season last year, hitting .255/.320/.432 with 17 home runs in 113 games. He was projected to be the starting right fielder. His suspension could mean Jorge Soler plays right field more, opening up the DH position for a rotation that could allow Cheslor Cuthbert more playing time. It could also open an opportunity for free agent Michael Saunders or Paulo Orlando.
For those of you worrying about the Royals getting worse after this Bonifacio suspension, Michael Saunders was basically projected to be the same player
— Patrick Brennan (@paintingcorner) March 10, 2018
Jorge Bonifacio: .250/.313/.418, 93 wRC+
Michael Saunders: .245/.318/.414, 92 wRC+
Bonifacio was placed on the restricted list, allowing Mike Moustakas to officially be added to the roster.