Chicago White Sox catcher Welington Castillo has been suspended for violating MLB’s policy on performance enhancing drugs, the league announced Thursday.
Castillo, who signed as a free agent with the White Sox prior to the season, has been suspended for 80 games, and the ban is effective immediately, according to a press release issued by the league.
"The positive test resulted from an extremely poor decision that I, and I alone, made," Castillo said in a statement. "I have let many people down, 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."
In 32 games with the White Sox this season, Castillo has six home runs and 15 RBI, and has posted a .270 batting average.
"Welington has apologized to the team and his teammates and has taken full responsibility for his actions," White Sox G.M. Rick Hahn said in a statement. "He understands that he has negatively affected the team and has fallen short of the expectationos we have of our players."
With Castillo suspended, the White Sox called up catcher Alfredo Gonzalez from Triple-A Charlotte. The team also played infielder Leury Garcia on the ten-day disabled list and called up outfielder Charlie Tilson.
