Cubs Prospect Oscar De La Cruz Suspended for PEDs

One of the top prospects in the Cubs system, RHP Oscar De La Cruztested positive for performance enhancing drugs. De La Cruz received an 80-game suspension, effectively ending his season and putting his career in jeopardy.

De La Cruz was struggling this year on the field. Now he’s made an inexcusable mistake.

De La Cruz started 16 games for Double-A Tennessee this year. The 23-year old has dealt with injuries for the last three seasons. The one-time top pitching prospect in the organization is 6-7 with a 5.24 ERA and 1.38 WHIP. In 77 1/3 innings, De La Cruz has allowed 45 runs, all earned, on 76 hits with 31 walks and 73 strikeouts.

De La Cruz tested positive for furosemide, a diuretic used to mask steroids.

The Cubs issued the following statement regarding Friday’s announcement by Major League Baseball that pitcher Oscar De La Cruz has been suspended 80 games for violating Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.

“We are disappointed to learn today that Oscar De La Cruz has violated Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.  The Cubs fully support the Program and its efforts to remove performance enhancing drugs from the game. We also expect Oscar to learn from this experience and will support him on his journey back.  Per Program protocol, the Cubs will not comment further on this matter.”

• Oscar De La Cruz’s Page on Baseball-Reference

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