Trio of Phillies Minor Leaguers Suspended for Violation of MiLB Drug Policy
By Michael Luciano
Well, I guess we now know why the Philadelphia Phillies had such a highly touted farm system.
Three separate Phillies minor league players were suspended 25 games for failing a drug test and violating the MiLB Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. Starter Engel Estevez, reliever Robinson Martinez, and catcher Carlos Oropeza were all handed 25-game suspensions.
Phillies minor-league pitchers Engel Estevez and Robinson Martinez and catcher Carlos Oropeza were suspended 25 games for violations of the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. All three all in the Gulf Coast League.
— Matt Breen (@matt_breen) June 28, 2019
Martinez, 21, had made it as far as the Class-A Lakewood Blueclaws, but struggled mightily, walking 13 and giving up 16 runs in 14.1 innings. Estevez, 19, went 3-3 with a 3.44 ERA in the Dominican Summer League in 2018. Oropeza, 20, has hit .260 with 57 RBI in 146 minor league games.
After this brief suspension, their future within the Phillies organization remains unclear.
Phillies minor leaguers stay leading the league in doping
— Mike Smith (@MJSmitty625) June 28, 2019
Despite the fact that all three of these players are immensely talented and had bright futures ahead of them, their already difficult path to the major leagues just got even harder following this completely unnecessary suspension.
None of the trio ranked within the Phils Top 30 prospects, but they were still valuable young assets, who will now be dealing with the consequences of violating the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.