MLB suspends two minor league pitchers over Stanozolol positives

Major League Baseball has suspended free agent minor league pitchers Luis Gomez and Julio Dilone following positive tests for the performance-enhancing substance Stanozolol. The commissioner’s office announced the sanctions on Monday, confirming that Gomez has been handed an 80-game ban while Dilone received a 60-game suspension.

Both penalties are structured to commence only upon the players signing with a major league organisation, a standard provision for minor league violations that allows teams to manage roster spots during the interim. The suspensions underscore the continued enforcement of the minor league drug program, which has now disciplined eleven players for drug violations this year.

Dilone, a 26-year-old right-hander, was released by the San Diego Padres on 6 August after signing a minor-league deal in spring training. Prior to joining the Padres’ system, he pitched in the independent Atlantic League last year. During his time with the Padres, he recorded a 5.02 earned run average across 11 games, striking out 20 batters while issuing eight walks in 14 1/3 innings.

Gomez, a 21-year-old right-hander, was released by the Florida Complex League Marlins on 23 July. He had signed a minor-league contract with Miami in June 2025 for a $10,000 bonus. His performance in the rookie-level system included an 11.00 ERA in 18 relief appearances, where he posted a 2-2 record.

The suspensions add to a list of recent high-profile violations within the league. Atlanta outfielder Jurickson Profar was suspended for the entire season on 3 March after testing positive for exogenous testosterone, marking his second offence under the major league drug agreement. Additionally, free agent outfielder Max Kepler was banned for 80 games on 9 January after testing positive for Epitrenbolone; he subsequently signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks and returned to the major leagues on 26 June.