Alexei Ramirez Tested Positive for 4 Steroids After Making WBC History as Tournament's Oldest Player

Former MLB shortstop Alexei Ramírez, who just made history for Cuba as the oldest player in World Baseball Classic history (44 years of age), has tested positive for four different steroids: metabolites of mesterolone, metandienone, oxandrolone and stanozolol.

The International Testing Agency (ITA), which heads an independent anti-doping program for the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC), revealed the news in a press release on Wednesday.

Ramírez, who primarily played shortstop in MLB, played in the majors from 2008-2016, mostly for the Chicago White Sox.

Ramírez hit .270 (.700 OPS) with 115 home runs and 590 RBI over his MLB career.

As far as next steps for Ramírez, he has the right to request a B-sample analysis. If that confirms the A-sample result, then the case will be confirmed

If the B-sample analysis is requested and confirms the result of the A sample, the case will be considered as a confirmed anti-doping rule violation.

The ITA explained the process further.

"If the B-sample analysis is not requested, the case will also go ahead as a confirmed anti-doping rule violation. The athlete will have the opportunity to present his explanations for the result.

"Further, in accordance with the World Anti-Doping Code and article 7.4.1 of the WBSC anti-doping rules, a mandatory provisional suspension has been imposed on the athlete. The athlete has the right to challenge the provisional suspension and ask for its lifting."

Ramírez only played one game for Cuba in the World Baseball Classic, striking out in his lone plate appearance. The previous record-holder for the oldest player in WBC history is ex-MLB star pitcher Roger Clemens, who was 43 years of age when he played for Team USA in 2006.