J.C. Romero made his season debut with Philadelphia's Triple-A affiliate Monday night, beginning to prepare for his return to the Phillies after a 50-game suspension for flunking a drug test.
Romero gave up one run in one inning and took the loss for the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. He was suspended for testing positive for a banned substance after taking an over-the-counter supplement.
A pitcher suspended 26 games or more for violating baseball's drug policy can appear in the minor leagues on a rehab assignment beginning 16 days before the end of his suspension. Romero is scheduled to return June 3 against San Diego.
Romero has filed suit against a nutritional supplement manufacturer alleging an unlisted ingredient in one of its products caused him to test positive for a substance banned by Major League Baseball.
Gwinnett beat the IronPigs 4-3.
A “Clean” Romero Restarts in Lehigh
Copyright AP - Associated Press
