NEW YORK –minor league pitcher Anthony Felix was suspended for 56 games Friday following a positive test for the performance-enhancing substance stanozolol under baseball’s drug program for players assigned outside the U.S. and Canada.
A 20-year-old right-hander, Felix signed with Boston in June for a $10,000 bonus and was 2-0 with a 3.55 ERA and two saves in 14 games this season in the Dominican Summer League
Toronto Blue Jays infielder Orelvis Martínez was suspended for 80 games on June 23 following a positive test for the performance-enhancing drug clomiphene, an announcement made two days after his major league debut.
Fourteen players have been suspended this year for positive drug tests, including six under the new program for minor league players assigned outside the United States and Canada and six under the minor league program.
Two players have been suspended this year under the major league drug program.
Noelvi Marté, a 22-year-old infielder who is the Cincinnati Reds’ top prospect, missed the first 80 games following a positive test for boldenone.
The Office of the Commissioner of Baseball has announced a 56-game suspension without pay for Anthony Felix, a minor league pitcher for the Boston Red Sox currently playing with the Dominican Summer League Red Sox. This decision comes after Felix tested positive for Stanozolol, a banned performance-enhancing substance.
Stanozolol, a synthetic anabolic steroid, is prohibited under Major League Baseball’s (MLB) drug policy due to its potential to unfairly enhance athletic performance and its associated health risks. Felix’s positive test result was confirmed through MLB’s stringent drug testing procedures, which are designed to uphold the integrity of the game and ensure a level playing field for all players.
The suspension marks a significant setback for Felix, who was in the midst of working towards advancing his career in professional baseball. The Red Sox organization expressed disappointment in the situation but reiterated their commitment to adhering to MLB’s policies on performance-enhancing drugs. “The Boston Red Sox take these matters very seriously,” a team spokesperson stated. “We fully support the Commissioner’s decision and will continue to uphold the league’s standards for fair play.”
Felix’s suspension will affect his participation in the remaining games of the Dominican Summer League season. During this period, he will not receive any compensation, which underscores the serious consequences of violating league rules. The suspension serves as both a penalty and a deterrent for other players who might consider engaging in similar behavior.
The announcement has elicited a range of reactions from fans and analysts, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by MLB and its affiliates in maintaining the sport’s integrity. As Felix serves his suspension, the focus will remain on ensuring compliance with league policies and preserving the fairness of the game.
