April 14, 2016
Daniel Stumpf, a 25-year-old lefthanded relief pitcher who the Philadelphia Phillies selected in the 2015 Rule 5 draft, had a rough start to the season. In his debut against the Cincinnati Reds last week, Stumpf’s ERA stood at infinity after giving up three earned runs without recording an out:
Today, it got even worse. Stumpf tested positive for PEDs, which earned him an 80-game suspension from the MLB. Here is the Phillies’ quick statement:
“The Phillies support Major League Baseball's Joint Prevention and Treatment Program and are disappointed to hear today's news of Daniel's violation.”
According to MLB, Stumpf tested positive for dehydrochlormethyltestosterone, a performance-enhancing substance that first made an appearance in the sports world 40 years ago.
Stumpf is the fifth Phillies major leaguer to be suspended as a result of the MLB Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program, joining J.C. Romero, Carlos Ruiz, Antonio Bastardo, and Freddy Galvis.Stumpf's Rule 5 status is unaffected; it's the same as if he went on 60-day DL. Gets service time, does not get paid while suspended.
— Ryan Lawrence (@ryanlawrence21) April 14, 2016
The Phillies have called up Elvis Araujo from Triple-A to take Stumpf’s place.
Stumpf can rejoin the Phillies on July 10 (when his 80 game suspension ends). Per Rule 5 rules, he would have to stick on the active 25-man roster for the duration of the season after that point.
Since rosters expand on Sept. 1, and following today's suspension, the Phillies would only need to keep Stumpf on their roster for a little less than two months after he returns to keep him in their system. If they want to, of course.
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