Danny Gutierrez, named a “Rising Star” in the Arizona Fall League, has been suspended 50 games of the 2010 season after violating the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program, according to the Office of the Commissioner.
Gutierrez tested positive for an amphetamine, a performance-enhancing substance.
Selected in the 33rd round by the Kansas City Royals in the 2005 First-Year Player Draft, Gutierrez has had a couple stellar seasons, to say the least.
In 2008, he compiled a 4-4 record in 19 games, ringing up 104 strikeouts in 90 innings.
2009 started out much the same. Great stats, with 25 strikeouts in just over 27 innings while limiting opposing batters to 17 hits and five earned runs. As we all know, baseball is a game of change, and when you can architect a campaign that is highlighted by a 1.65 ERA, other clubs take notice.
On Sept. 9, 2009, Gutierrez was traded from the Royals organization for minor league catcher Manuel Pina and outfielder Tim Smith.
Unfortunately, things took a turn for the worse when reaching his new home in Frisco, the Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers.
Shoulder pain limited him to one game and five innings.
Texas Rangers General Manager Jon Daniels says that positive test occurred from traces of the banned stimulant contained in the attention-deficit-disorder (ADD) drug Adderall, a drug that Gutierrez has a subscription for.
The suspension could have been avoided had Gutierrez applied for a TUE (Therapeutic Use Exemption) for his condition.
Mistakes were made, obviously. Unfortunately, consequences have to be paid, and all parties involved can chalk this up to a learning experience.
"I understand that it was my responsibility to obtain a TUE even though the drug was prescribed by a doctor, and that I have let down myself and many others with my failure to do so," Gutierrez said in a statement released by his agent, Greg Genske. "I greatly appreciate the support of the Texas Rangers front office, and I am determined to serve as a better role model in the future."
This article can also be found on The GM's Perspective.
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