The Associated Press reported on Friday afternoon that Sidney Ponson was tested positive for a stimulant during the World Baseball Classic. He will be banned for two years from international competition, but will not face punishment from Major League Baseball or his current club Kansas City Royals, as he will be treated as a first-time offender. The IBAF announced that the 32-year-old was tested positive for Phentermine, a stimulant and appetite suppressant.
Ponson is the second player, who tested positive during the 2009 WBC. On Thursday the Chicago Cubs released a statement from Puerto Rican catcher Geovany Soto that he was tested positive for marijuana. He also will be suspended for two years of International Baseball, but can continue play in the MLB. However both probably now will face extensive testing from Major League Baseball.
Ponson impressed during the Classic with great outings for the Dutch National Team, allowing seven hits, four runs and four walks in nine innings over two starts. He struck out four, won and lost a game. After his performance he received a minor league contract from the Royals and made the opening day roster out of spring training. After going 1-5 with an ERA of 7.27 he got injured and is currently on the disabled list with a strained elbow.