For the second time in two weeks, a noteworthy big-league hitter has been suspended for using a performance-enhancing drug. Last week, it was Seattle Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano; this time, it's Chicago White Sox catcher Welington Castillo who has been banned for 80 games. The suspension of Castillo is effective immediately.
Castillo, 31, entered Wednesday hitting .270/.314/.477 (116 OPS+) this season. He had signed a two-year deal worth $15 million during the winter. The contract includes a club option for 2020.
As part of MLB's drug policy, Castillo will be ineligible for this year's postseason. The White Sox are one of the worst teams in the majors, and now he figures to have zero interest for potential contenders.
Chicago figures to turn to Omar Narvaez as their primary backstop. Kevan Smith, stationed in Triple-A, could come up to serve as the backup. Alternatively, the White Sox could turn to the trade market to secure a new catcher -- the Red Sox's Blake Swihart would make sense.
MLB said Castillo tested positive for Erythropoietin (EPO), a performance-enhancing substance.
“I was recently notified by Major League Baseball that I had tested positive for EPO, a substance that is prohibited under MLB’s Joint Drug Agreement,” Castillo said in a statement.
“The positive test resulted from an extremely poor decision that I, and I alone, made. I take full responsibility for my conduct. I have let many people down, including my family, my teammates, the White Sox organization and its fans, and from my heart, I apologize. Following my suspension, I look forward to rejoining my teammates and doing whatever I can to help the White Sox win.”
Castillo is eligible to return in late August and is ineligible for the postseason in the unlikely scenario the Sox make it to October.
