NEW YORK - Kansas City Royals outfielder Jorge Bonifacio has been suspended 80 games after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance.
The commissioner's office made the announcement Saturday. Bonifacio was banned after a positive test for Boldenone. The ban will begin opening day.
"It really kind of made me sick to my stomach," Royals manager Ned Yost said.
The 24-year-old Bonifacio made his major league debut last season, hitting .255 with 17 home runs and 40 RBIsin 113 games.
Kansas City was reshuffling its outfield this spring after Lorenzo Cain left as a free agent, and Bonifacio was competing for playing time in the field and at designated hitter.
The Royals recently signed free agent outfielder Jon Jay. Paulo Orlando and several others are also trying to earn time.
Bonifacio's suspension cleared a roster spot for third baseman Mike Moustakas.