Arizona Diamondbacks Listher Sosa tests positive for drug test

Listher Sosa is an Arizona Diamondbacks minor league right-handed pitcher prospect. The 6-foot-4, 23-year-old athlete from La Vega, Dominican Republic joined the Diamondbacks in April 2022. He started his career playing for teams such as the Visalia Rawhide, Hillsboro Hops, and Amarillo Sod Poodles. Over his time in the minor leagues, he has accumulated a 15-11 record with a 4.10 ERA, 11 saves, and 234 strikeouts over 239 1/3 innings. Sosa signed for a $150,000 bonus in 2018, positioning himself as a promising talent going forward in professional baseball.  

However, this past Thursday Sosa was suspended for 80 games without pay after testing positive for Methandienone. Methandienone is a banned performance-enhancing substance usually used by athletes to improve strength and physique. As a result of the 80 game suspension, he will be ineligible to return to the field until late June or early July.  

“The Office of the Commissioner of Baseball announced today that Arizona minor league pitcher Listher Sosa, who is currently on the roster of the Triple-A Reno Aces, has received an 80-game suspension without pay after testing positive for Methandienone, a performance-enhancing substance in violation of the Joint Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program,” MLB stated.  

This suspension not only impacts Sosa financially and in terms of playing time but also affects his standing as a prospect for higher level teams and coaches. Additionally, he is now also ineligible to compete in minor league baseball outside of the United States and Canada, further limiting his opportunities moving forward in the MLB.