White Sox Catcher Welington Castillo Suspended For Failed PED Test
White Sox catcher Welington Castillo has been suspended 80 games for using a performance-enhancing substance, the team announced Thursday.
Castillo tested positive for Erythropoietin (EPO), which promotes the formation of red blood cells.
The news was first reported Thursday by Domincan journalist Americo Celado via Hector Gomez of Deportivo Z 101. The Athletics’ Ken Rosenthal confirmed the news.
Catcher Alfredo Gonzalez had his contract purchased from Class AAA Charlotte to replace Castillo.
Castillo released a statement through the MLB Players Association.
In a statement, general manager Rick Hahn said, “Welington has apologized to the team and his teammates and has taken full responsibility for his actions. He understands that he has negatively affected the team and has fallen short of the expectations we have of our players."
Castillo is the second MLB player to be suspended this month for a drug violation after the Mariners' Robinson Cano received an 80-game suspension for testing positive for a diuretic.
The 31-year-old is in his first year with the White Sox. He's hitting .270 with six home runs and 15 RBI this season. Over his nine-year career, he's averaged .260 and has 86 home runs and 298 RBI.
The White Sox (15–31) are in last place in the AL Central, eight and a half games behind the first-place Indians.
