Ten minor leaguers suspended for drugs in January
By Jeff Adcox
Minor league baseball may be developing drug problem. In January, 10 minor league baseball players have been suspended for violating the league’s Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. In contrast, according to baseballamerica.com, at total of 41 players were suspended in all of 2013.
Players can be suspended for either using a drug of abuse, which includes marijuana, cocaine and opiates, or for testing positive for a performance enhancing drug like steroids.
A list of the suspended players is listed below.
Miami Marlins Minor League right-handed pitcher Ronny Fermin has received a 50-game suspension after testing positive for Metabolites of Stanozolol, a performance-enhancing substance.
Philadelphia Phillies Minor League pitcher Christopher O’Hare has received a 50-game suspension after a second positive test for a drug of abuse.
Arizona Diamondbacks Minor League shortstop Antonio Alvarez has received a 50-game suspension after testing positive for exogenous Testosterone, which can be used in order to improve performance.
Free agent Minor League right-handed pitcher Daryl Thompson has received a 50-game suspension following a second violation for a drug of abuse.
Milwaukee Brewers Minor League left-handed pitcher Will West has received a 100-game suspension after testing positive for an Amphetamine, a performance-enhancing substance, as well as a third positive test for a drug of abuse.
San Francisco Giants Minor League infielder Marco Guzman has received a 50-game suspension after testing positive for metabolites of Nandrolone, a performance-enhancing substance.
Free agent Minor League outfielder Darren Driggers has received a 50-game suspension after a second positive test for a Drug of Abuse.
Free agent Minor League right-handed pitcher Yonquelys Martinez has received a 50-game suspension after testing positive for Metabolites of Stanozolol, a performance-enhancing substance.
Minnesota Twins Minor League second baseman Eddie Rosario has received a 50-game suspension after a second positive test for a drug of abuse.
Los Angeles Angels Minor League catcher Carlos Ramirez has received a 100-game suspension after a third positive test for a drug of abuse.