Rays minor leaguer David Wendt suspended 50 games

Tampa Bay Rays minor league catcher David Wendt has been suspended 50 games by Major League Baseball after testing positive for Methylhexaneamine, according to Roger Mooney of The Tampa Bay Tribune:

#Rays minor league C David Wendt has been suspended for 50 games after testing positive for Methylhexaneamine. He is on the Double A roster.

— RMooneyTBO (@RMooneyTBO) January 14, 2013

According to Liam Casey of The Toronto Star, "Methylhexaneamine is a nasal decongestant, but it’s also considered a stimulant. It is considered as a vasoconstrictor, increasing heart rate and blood pressure and sending more blood to the areas of the body that need it."

Casey adds that it has more recently been added to powder drinks and used in strength-conditioning as a dietary supplement that helps with training. It’s chemically related to amphetamines, but it’s only slightly more powerful than a cup of coffee, according to Casey.

Wendt spent last season with the Rays’ high- and Double-A teams, hitting .223/.265/.288. The 26-year-old owns a career line of .235/.284/.314 over four seasons in the minors.