Rome Braves Second Sacker Suspended 50 Games
By Fred Owens
Home of the Rome Braves
According the David O’Brien Rome Braves second baseman Mikey Reynolds has been suspended following a positive test for Methylphenidate listed as a performance enhancing substance in the Minor League Drug Prevention Program. You may recognize the drug’s more commonly used name; Ritalin. Medicine.Net explains it effects like this:
"Methylphenidate is a medication that stimulates the central nervous system (CNS or brain) in a manner that is similar to the amphetamines; however, its actions are milder than those of the amphetamines. An additional difference is that methylphenidate produces more noticeable effects on mental activities than on motor activities. Methylphenidate and amphetamines both have abuse potential. In treating children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), methylphenidate produces a calming effect. This results in a reduction in hyperactivity and an improvement in attention span. Methylphenidate also is used to treat excessive sleepiness. Methylphenidate was approved by the FDA in 1955."
While not an early round prospect Reynolds was drafted in successive years by the Baltimore Orioles in the 30th round of the 2011, the New York Yankees in the 20th round of the 2012 draft and finally signed by the Braves aftet they selected him in the 5th round of the 2013 draft out of Texas A&M University (College Station, TX). Through 44 games – 175 PA – with Danville in 2013 he put up a .309/.402/.416 line with 2 homers, 4 doubles and 3 triples and stole 8 bases in 11 attempts. Promoted to A ball this spring he’s struggled at the dish a meager .188/.268/.250 line in 71 PA.
According to Baseball America Reynolds is the 29th minor league player suspended in 2014 and the second from the Braves system. On February 14th Catcher Orrin Sears was suspended 50 games for metabolites of methandienone Sears is still serving his suspension and hasn’t played this year. Last season he was assigned to the Braves Gulf Coast League affiliate and put up a .247/.303/.420 in 32 games – 89 PA – with 1 homer 5 doubles and 3 triples.
Reynolds hasn’t spoken about the suspension but Ritalin has many legitimate medical uses. Let’s hope he simply failed to follow procedures for getting permission from the league to use it as part of a required treatment plan