Mondesi banned 50 games for PEDs found in cold medicine

MLB has suspended Raul Mondesi Jr. 50 games after he ingested a banned substance discovered in his cold medicine.

The initial ban was for 80 games under the league's joint drug policy, but after he provided evidence under the "No Significant Fault or Negligence" provision, the ban was cut down to 50 games, according to the New York Post's Joel Sherman.

"I took an over-the-counter medication (Subrox-C) which I bought in the Dominican Republic to treat cold and flu symptoms," Mondesi Jr. said in a statement. "I failed to read the labeling on the medication or consult with my trainer or team about taking it and did not know it contained a banned substance."

Under the rule, players are responsible for what's in their body, whether their use of a banned substance was intentional or accidental.

Despite his suspension, the Royals' top prospect will be eligible for the playoffs and tiebreaker games.

Mondesi Jr. is playing for the Kansas City Royals' Double-A affiliate. He made his MLB debut by getting one at-bat in the 2015 World Series.

The news comes on the same day two other minor leaguers were suspended under the drug program.

Toronto Blue Jays farmhand Clinton Hollon netted a 50-game suspension following his second positive test, while Minnesota Twins minor leaguer Logan Lombana was banned 80 games for PED use.