Cuban Ramirez tests positive for 4 steroids at World Baseball Classic

Former Chicago White Sox shortstop Alexei Ramirez, 44, set a record this winter as the oldest player to compete in a World Baseball Classic. File Photo by Brian Kersey/UPI

April 29 (UPI) -- Cuban shortstop Alexei Ramirez tested positive for four anabolic steroids during the 2026 World Baseball Classic, the International Testing Agency announced Wednesday.

Ramirez went 0 for 1 with a strikeout in one appearance for Cuba -- a 4-1 loss to Puerto Rico -- during the World Baseball Classic. The 44-year-old set a record for the oldest player to compete in the tournament's history. Cuba failed to advance out of pool play.

Ramirez, who spent eight of his nine MLB seasons with the Chicago White Sox, returned a report with positive results for mesterolone, metandienone, oxandrolone and stanozolol. Each of those anabolic steroids are listed on the 2026 World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) prohibited list.

The ITA said the substances are "synthetic anabolic-androgenic steroids associated with promoting rapid muscle growth, increased strength and enhanced physical performance."

A mandatory provisional suspension from baseball has been imposed on Ramirez, who has the right to challenge the ban and ask for it to be lifted.

Ramirez also has the right to request a B-sample analysis. If that analysis confirms the A-sample results, the case will be confirmed as an anti-doping rule violation.

Ramirez hit .270 with 115 home runs and 143 stolen bases over 1,371 career appearances during his nine-year MLB tenure. The 2014 All-Star also suited up for the San Diego Padres and Tampa Bay Rays. Ramirez finished as the runner-up to Rays infielder for American League Rookie of the Year honors in 2008, when he hit a career-high .290 with 21 home runs.