Raul A. Mondesi

[Bob78164]

Keep an eye out for Kansas City rookie Raul A. Mondesi (son of the former major leaguer). He's on the Royals' roster, but he has never appeared in a major league game. He could be the first person ever to make his first major league appearance in the World Series.

I'm a little surprised this was possible in his case. Apparently he wasn't even on the 40-man roster. The Royals had to DFA Joba Chamberlain to make room for him. I had thought playoff additions had to be on the 40-man by the end of August. --Bob

[Ritterskoop]

I'm finding stories saying that he was eligible because he was on the Royals' payroll as of Aug. 31, and that rosters can be changed between rounds (but not once a round starts except for injury).

One story said they are most interested in using him during the NL portion of the series. He can play 2B or SS, bunt and pinch run.

[Bob78164]

He did it. By pinch hitting in the fifth inning of Game 3, Mondesi became the first person ever to make his major league debut in the World Series. --Bob

[Bob78164]

And now he's been suspended for 50 games for using a PED. The suspension was reduced from 80 games (by agreement of both MLB and the Players Association) because he persuaded the powers that be that the infraction was inadvertent. Apparently, the forbidden substance was in a cold medication he took while at home in the Dominican Republic over the winter. Stories report that under the circumstances, he will remain eligible for post-season play. --Bob