Washington Nationals Catcher Among 2 Players Suspended for PED Violation
Washington National Minor League catcher Francisco Rivero, who is currently on the roster of the rookie-level Florida Complex League Nationals, has received a 56-game suspension after testing positive for Stanozolol.
— Francys Romero (@FrancysRomero) October 2, 2026
Catcher Francisco Rivero, currently at Rookie Ball, has received a 56-game suspension after testing positive for Stanozolol.
The Nationals selected the 18-year-old in the 15th round of the 2026 MLB Draft. He officially signed with the organization in July for a reported $250,000 signing bonus and began his professional assignment at the Nationals' training complex in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Rivero batted .463 with six home runs, nine doubles and 34 RBIs this spring for the Canyon del Oro Dorados in Arizona.
In addition, minor league free agent Raudi Perez also received the same suspension for the same PED violation. His 56-game ban will take when/if he signs with a major league organization.
Three major leaguers were hit with PED suspensions in 2026, Jurickson Profar (162 games), Max Kepler (80 games) and Johan Rojas (80 games).
Seven other minor league players were also suspended this year, for anywhere from 56 to 80 games, all for testing positive for Stanozolol as well.
Stanozolol is an anabolic-androgenic steroid and has become one of the more commonly flagged substances in player testing.