PED Suspension for Phillies Prospect Clears Roster Spot

The Phillies organization received some disappointing news on Friday when they learned that pitching prospect Elniery Garcia tested positive for a performance enhancing drug.   The positive test means that Garcia will be suspended for 80 games and be placed on the restricted list.

Garcia reportedly took the drug Boldenone.  Boldenone is an anabolic steroid most associated with horses.  However, it has become popular among professional athletes looking for a competitive advantage.

There is one positive that comes from this suspension.  Garcia was a member of the Phillies 40-man roster, which creates some roster flexibility for the next two and a half months or so.  The Phillies will fully retain Garcia's rights while he is suspended.

The Phillies might be able to use some relief help from Triple-A Lehigh Valley's bullpen in the near future.  Two candidates that could be summoned to the Major Leagues include left-handed pitcher Hoby Milner and ambidextrous pitcher Pat Venditte.  Either player would have to be added to the Phillies 40-man roster before being recalled.

Garcia is ranked as the number 18 Phillies prospect on MLB Pipeline.  Garcia received an invite to Phillies Spring Training this season, but failed to make the team before suffering an injury.  Garcia was on Double-A Reading's disabled list prior to the suspension.

Brandon Apter of Sports Talk Philly contributed to this report.