Ponson tested postive at Classic

KANSAS CITY, Mo., June 26 (UPI) -- Kansas City pitcher Sidney Ponson has been suspended two years from international baseball after a positive drug test at this year's World Baseball Classic.

The ban was announced Friday by the International Baseball Federation, which said the right hander tested positive for the stimulant Phentermine in March while pitching for Netherlands.

MLB.com reported he will be treated as a first-time offender under baseball's drug rules, subject to a medical review and a fine.

The news broke before Kansas City's contest at Pittsburgh.

Ponson is the second major leaguer in two days fingered for a positive drug test at the WBC, joining Chicago Cubs catcher Geovany Soto, who played for his native Puerto Rico.

Ponson (1-5) is on Kansas City's disabled list with a strained right elbow.

On March 17, the journeyman signed a free agent deal with the Royals, his fourth major league team.