Jose Valdez, a Tigers relief pitcher currently playing in the Dominican Summer League, has been suspended for 50 games after testing positive for steroids.
↵↵↵Tigers right-handed reliever Jose Valdez was one of five Dominican Summer League players suspended for 50 games after testing for steroids. Valdez, 20, was 1-1 with 2.18 ERA, 11 saves and 21 strikeouts in 20 2/3 innings.
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Valdez's suspension came from him testing positive for a metabolite of Boldenone, which is most commonly used for treatment of horses. It was originally developed as an anabolic steroid for veterinary use, but it is commonly used by athletes illegally.
↵Five other players were suspended: Dodgers outfielder Prentice Redman (100 games), Brewers third baseman Allixon Cequea (50 games), Brewers outfielder Erickson Salaya (50 games), Brewers pitcher Leonard Lorenzo (50 games) and Athletics pitcher Leudis Benzant (50 games). Redman was playing in Triple-A Albuquerque, whereas the others were also in the Dominican Summer League.
↵Update from Ryan Weiss: First base prospect Cesar Nicolas was also suspended 50 games after testing positive for an illegal amphetamine. Cesar had just been promoted to Triple-A Toledo and was hitting .279 in Double-A Erie.