Two minor league pitchers, Luis Custodio and Luis Sierra, have each received a suspension of 56 games due to positive drug tests. The decision was announced on Monday by the commissioner’s office and falls under the minor league drug program for players based outside the United States and Canada.
Both players tested positive for Stanozolol, a substance banned in professional sports. Custodio, a 21-year-old left-hander, recorded a 2-1 record with a 7.94 ERA in 12 relief appearances last season for the San Francisco Giants Black team in the Dominican Summer League. This performance followed his recovery from Tommy John surgery, and he had signed with the Giants in 2023.
Sierra, age 20 and a right-handed pitcher, had a less successful stint. He signed with the Baltimore Orioles last June for a signing bonus of $10,000. During his time with the DSL Orioles, he posted an 0-2 record and a 9.95 ERA in 11 relief appearances. On January 5, 2025, he was released from the organization, and his suspension will take effect upon his next signing with a major league team.
These suspensions are part of an ongoing effort to maintain integrity within the sport. Notably, three players have been suspended this year for positive drug tests. Among them is free agent outfielder Max Kepler, who received an 80-game suspension on Friday after testing positive for Epitrenbolone under the major league program.
The implications of these suspensions extend beyond individual careers, as they highlight the scrutiny faced by players in their pursuit of professional success. The enforcement of drug policies is critical to ensuring fair competition and the health of the players involved in the sport.
