Minnesota Twins’ Jose Rosario suspended for 50 games

The Minnesota Twins lost prospect Jose Rosario for 50 games this year for failing a second test for drug abuse.

The Minnesota Twins have a history of having minor and major leaguers be suspended for taking banned substances, and it appears that trend has continued. Second Baseman Jose Rosario has joined that list:

Rosario is just 18 years old, and played his first 43 games with the DSL (Dominican Summer League) Twins in 2019. He completed the season while playing four positions (including pitching in two games). His 2019 stat line had some positives to it:

• 43 G, .248 BA/.422 OBP/.705 OPS, 0 HR, 12 RBI, 15 SB, 33-21 BB-K

The positives here are clear. Fifteen stolen bases in just forty-three games is phenomenal. On top of that, Rosario walked twelve more times than he struck out, helping him put together a truly excellent OBP.

There are some negatives, as that batting average and lack of homers means there’s still progression to be made. However, at just seventeen, Rosario still has a lot of time to sort the batting out and pick it up.

While it’s unfortunate to see Rosario missing 50 games, it’s even harder because he will already be missing a full season due to the coronavirus pandemic. That’s a lot of baseball to miss for such a young player, but there is still hope for Rosario yet.

Rosario’s suspension came with three other suspensions the league announced on Sunday. Vladimir Gutiérrez, the No. 15 Prospect in the Cincinnati Reds organization received an 80 game suspension for a similar offense.

The other two prospects are both in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization. Pitcher Reza Aleaziz received a 50 game, while pitcher Juan Idrogo will miss 72 games when the season resumes.