NEW YORK — Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Elniery Garcia has been suspended 80 games for a drug violation, the first this year under the major league drug program.
Garcia tested positive for the performance-enhancing drug Boldenone, the commissioner's officer said Friday. The anabolic steroid generally is used by veterinarians on horses.
The 22-year-old left-hander, who is on the Phillies 40-man roster, is assigned to Double-A Reading of the Eastern League but has not appeared in any games this season. Garcia was 12-4 with a 2.68 ERA in 19 starts and one relief appearance last year with Class A Clearwater of the Florida State League.