On Wednesday, the MLB announced the suspension of Jose D. Hernandez, a minor league pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, for testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). The suspension effectively sidelines Hernandez for the entirety of the 2025 Arizona Complex League season.
The 21-year-old Hernandez was found to have traces of two banned substances: boldenone and nandrolone. Both of these are anabolic steroids commonly associated with efforts to build muscle mass and improve performance on the field. Under MLB's minor league drug program, such findings trigger stringent penalties, resulting in Hernandez's absence from competition.
Hernandez's performance prior to the suspension had sparked interest. He had played 26 games for the ACL Dodgers during the most recent season, where he boasted impressive stats, hitting .302 with four home runs and 21 RBIs. Since joining the Dodgers organization back in 2019, he signed with the team for a $10,000 bonus, showcasing his potential as he developed through the ranks.
The suspension of Hernandez is part of a broader trend within MLB this year concerning player suspensions for PED use. The league reports having suspended a total of 20 players for positive drug tests, reflecting the rigorous efforts to combat drug use at all levels. Among these, nine players were caught under the traditional minor league program, with another nine flagged under protocols for minor leaguers who play outside North America.
Looking at the larger picture, Hernandez is not alone. Other notable suspensions this year include Cincinnati Reds prospect Noelvi Marte, who faced an 80-game ban after testing positive for boldenone. Similarly, Toronto Blue Jays infielder Orelvis Martinez also received an 80-game suspension after he was found to have clomiphene, another performance-enhancing drug, just two days after debuting in the majors.
The issue of doping remains controversial and persistent within the world of professional baseball. Although the MLB has survived the so-called "steroid era," the echoes of this difficult chapter are still fresh. Players like Barry Bonds, who is renowned for his home run records, have been embroiled in scandals concerning PED use, which has tainted their legacies.
Interestingly, MLB's policies also evolved, especially after they ceased testing for steroids for the first time in nearly two decades back in 2022. Such changes have stirred discussions on the effectiveness of these regulatory measures and the culture surrounding performance enhancement practices within the league.
Hernandez's story, rooted within the latest wave of MLB suspensions, exemplifies the stark reality for minor leaguers. The path to the major leagues is fraught with challenges and pitfalls, including the temptation to resort to enhancements. The road to recovery for not just Hernandez but several of his suspended counterparts will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike as their careers hang tenuously in the balance.
