NEW YORK — Outfielder/first baseman Danny SantanaServe a pitcher Richard RodríguezInfielder José RondónThey were suspended for 80 games on Mondays in the first discipline since March 11, when the major league drug-testing program resumed after a 99-day lockout.
The three, all free agents, tested positive for the performance-enhancing substance Boldenone, the commissioner’s office said Monday.
The urine samples were taken prior to Dec. 2 lockout. However, MLB decided it couldn’t announce discipline during the workout. A person familiar with the testing program spoke on condition of anonymity as that information was not disclosed.
Santana, 31 years old, is a major league veteran of eight years who hit.181 in 38 games with five homers. He also had 14 RBI. Boston Red SoxLast season. He has a career average of.255 and 47 homers.
Rodriguez, a 32 years old right-hander, was purchased by Atlanta from Pittsburgh. Rodriguez went 1-2 in 27 relief appearances with a 3.12 ERA for the Braves, but did no postseason roster for the World Series champs. He was 5-4 in 64 relief games last year with a 2.94 ERA. Rodriguez has a 16-14 career record of 3.28 ERA with 19 saves for Baltimore (2017).
Rondón, 28, hit .263 with three homers and nine RBI in 63 games for St. Louis last season. In four seasons in San Diego (2016), he has a.216 batting average and has had 12 homers as well as 33 RBI. Chicago White Sox(2018-19), Baltimore (2019), and St. Louis
These were the first suspensions under the major league drug program since Oakland outfielder Ramón Laureano was disciplined last Aug. 6, an 80-game penalty that has 27 games left to be served this season. The minor league drug program has seen 20 suspensions.