Mondesi failed a PED test but MLB and MLBPA reached agreement to drop from 80 to 50 Gs after he showed substance in cold medicine #Royals
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) May 10, 2016
Player is responsible for what is in his body even if accidentally, which is why Mondesi is still suspended #Royals
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) May 10, 2016
So, rather than make Mondesi go through the motions of having to appeal the initial suspension and prove his case before an arbitrator, MLB accepted his evidence at the outset and avoided a drawn out process.But it's not quite that easy, because it's never quite that easy. According to Jon Morosi, Mondesi was popped for clenbuterol which, according to the DEA, is "abused generally by bodybuilders and athletes for its ability to increase lean muscle mass and reduce body fat." It is approved for use to treat asthma and COPD in some countries, but it is not approved for human use in the United States, though it is approved for horses.Mondesi provided evidence under "No Significant Fault or Negligence" provision of Program. MLB:MLBPA agreed to resolve prior to an appeal.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) May 10, 2016
Mondesi was able to show that this substance was in medicine he used, apparently from outside of the U.S., and MLB accepted it was an honest mistake. Royals GM Dayton Moore feels similarly:Here's the statement from Royals prospect Raul Mondesi on his 50-game suspension. pic.twitter.com/8LPR50uQhv
— Sam Mellinger (@mellinger) May 10, 2016
Update: To clear up an issue with who was actually suspended. The initial reports and statements from the team referred to Raul Mondesi, Jr. who is the older of Mondesi's two sons to have played professional baseball, most recently with the Brewers. However, Raul Adalberto Mondesi is the Royals prospect, and he is the one who released a statement on the ban. We have changed the headline and body of the post to reflect this."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. 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."