Colorado Rockies prospect Colton Welker has been suspended 80 games by Major League Baseball after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance.
Welker, 23, drafted in 2016 out of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, is currently on the roster for Triple-A Albuquerque.
The substance he tested positive for was Dehydrochlormethyltestosterone (DHCMT), which is in violation of Major League Baseball\'s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.
\"I want to make it very clear that I have never willingly nor intentionally ingested any substance to enhance my athletic performance. Given the information provided to me by the players\' association and laboratory, the amount detected was so minimal that it would have no effect on enhancing my performance,\" Welker said in a statement.
\"I understand that a number of other players, like me, have tested positive for this metabolite at microscopic levels, and I intend to join them in seeking answers as to how this is happening in order to clear my name,\" he added.
Welker was in the running to take over at third for Nolan Arenado after the eight-time Gold Glove winner was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals in the offseason.
Via Associated Press