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Royals OF Bonifacio banned 80 games for positive drug test

Posted at 6:35 PM, Mar 10, 2018
and last updated 2018-03-10 19:35:12-05

NEW YORK (AP) -- Kansas City Royals outfielder Jorge Bonifacio has been suspended 80 games by Major League Baseball after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance.

The commissioner's office made the announcement Saturday.

Bonifacio was banned after a positive test for Boldenone. The penalty will begin on opening day.

The 24-year-old Bonifacio made his major league debut last season, hitting .255 with 17 home runs and 40 RBIs in 113 games.

Kansas City was reshuffling its outfield this spring after Lorenzo Cain left as a free agent, and Bonifacio was competing for playing time in the field and at designated hitter.

The Royals recently signed free agent outfielder Jon Jay. Paulo Orlando and several others are also trying to earn spots in the outfield.

Bonifacio is the fourth player suspended this year under the major league drug program. Houston pitcher Dean Deetz, Washington catcher Raudy Read and Pittsburgh pitcher Nik Turley previously were penalized.