Blue Jays launch internal probe into minor league drug suspensions

The Toronto Blue Jays have launched an internal investigation into the six minor leaguers who tested positive for the banned substance boldenone while playing Dominicanomincan Summer League.

Blue Jays General Manager Ross Atkins addressed the media in regards to the suspensions expressing his disappointment and reiterated that he will ensure his staff is properly equipped to educate the players to make the right decision.

This situation is very disappointing and disturbing to the organization; disappointing that the players made these choices, but more so disturbing that some failure of our environment allowed this to happen,” Atkins said. “It is our responsibility to create an environment and culture where our players know that PED use is not condoned and to give them resources and education to ensure that they do not make these decisions.

All six players tested positive for the same banned substance “Boldenone” which is defined as an anabolic steroid used primarily by veterinarians and is not intended for use in humans according to Play Healthy.

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The first round of suspensions last week involved Hugo Cardona, Yhon Perez, and Leonicio Ventura who all received 72-game bans. The second round of suspensions broke later in the week with Juan Jimenez, Naswell Paulino and Jol Concepcion all being implicated for their performance enhancing positive tests. The 19-year old Concepcion only received a 60 game ban after spending parts of 2017 with both the Dominican League and the Gulf Coast League.

The Blue Jays brain trust need to act swiftly and effectively in an attempt to address and rectify the failed tests before any other players are identified worsening the black mark already left on the organization.

Atkins comments to the media would indicate the Jays are not going to take the damning results lightly and are committed to doing everything in their power to educate and mentor the players moving forward.

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Hopefully, the organization and the affected players can grow from this unfortunate experience and become better players and role models for the remainder of their professional careers.