The Pittsburgh Pirates found out today that Dominican Summer League infielder Johan De Jesus was suspended for 72 games, which is the entire DSL season next year. The cause of the suspension was Nandrolone according to Bill Brink. De Jesus is the second Pirates player suspended this year under the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. Back in August, pitcher Michael Clemens was suspended for 68 games(the length of the Appalachian League season).
De Jesus was signed on his 16th birthday for $200,000 back on August 1, 2012 and he has had a very difficult time in pro ball each of his two seasons. When he signed, the scouting reports mentioned that he had no tools that stood out, so it was interesting to see that the Pirates invested so much in a player that was considered marginal at best. He is only 18 years old, so there is time for him to bounce back from the suspension, but as a player that has struggled for two years, he is going to have a difficult time getting any better while going a full year without playing. De Jesus signed as a shortstop, then moved to third base this year when the Pirates signed defensive standout Adrian Valerio.
