Top MLB Draft prospect Jonathan Gray tests positive for banned substance

Jonathan Gray, star pitcher for the University of Oklahoma and potentially the #1 overall pick in the MLB Draft onThursday, has reportedly tested positive for Adderall, this according to ESPN's Keith Law.

Adderall is an amphetamine sometimes used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and players are allowed to use it if they have a medical prescription that has been approved (over 100 players are said to have such approval), but that does not appear to be the case in this instance. Gray will not be suspended (by MLB or the NCAA), but he may be subject to enhanced testing once he's begun his professional career. In the meantime, Gray will pitch for the Sooners in this weekend's super-regional against LSU.

Gray was thought to be a candidate for being the #1 overall pick (held by the Astros), but in the last week or so there has been speculation that Houston will target a position player instead. Here at LGT there was talk in the comments about the possibility of him falling to the Indians (who hold the #5 pick). I said at the time that I would be all for the Tribe taking him, were he available. I don't know if this positive test will have any real impact on his draft status, but it doesn't do much to change my perception of his talent.

For those without ADHD, Adderall works as a stimulant, possibly augmenting Gray's energy level and/or concentration, but it wouldn't be artificially enhancing his pitching ability, I don't think (we could debate whether or not enhanced concentration is artificially enhancing his ability). Because I think landing one of the top college arms (Stanford's Mark Appel being the other) would be the best possible outcome for the Indians on Thursday, if this news helps Gray fall through the first four picks, I think the Tribe should select him.