Former Braves minor league pitcher Steven Shell has been suspended for violating baseball's substance abuse policy. Shell was signed by the Braves last year after he was released by the Royals. He appeared in 28 games for the triple-A Gwinnett Braves. Here is what the WSJ had to say:
Former major league right-hander Steven Shell was suspended 50 games after testing positive for metabolites of Stanozolol.
Shell is currently a minor league free agent, and his suspension will begin once he signs with an organization.
I'm not sure if this was an off-season drug test, or a sample from this past season that was just now tested. It's a bit concerning that the Braves organization is once again linked with a positive drug test.
Stanozolol is a synthetic anabolic steroid derived from testosterone according to Wikipedia. It is available in tablet form and can be taken orally. Like many steroids it increases muscular growth and enhances virility.
Shell saw some time in the Nationals bullpen in 2008 and 2009, and was pretty effective in 2008, posting a 2.16 ERA and a .194 batting average against in 50 innings out of the bullpen. More than likely he was not in the Braves plans for 2012, and even if he is re-signed, will likely be triple-A pitching filler.