Minor-league pitcher Tyler Gonzales was suspended for 100 more games and three other minor-leaguers were banned for 50 games Friday for violations of Major League Baseball’s drug policy.
Gonzales, a right-hander who was suspended 50 games in September for a second failed drug test, received the extra 100 games after he refused to take another drug test, the Office of the Commissioner of Baseball said.
Gonzales, a first-round pick by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2012, was released by the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday, and his 150-game suspension will not begin until he has signed with a major-league team.
The three other players who received 50-game penalties are Milwaukee Brewers left-hander Tyler Alexander, Baltimore Orioles third baseman Austin Anderson and San Francisco Giants right-hander Dylan Brooks.
Alexander was punished for a second positive test for “a drug of abuse.” Alexander, who is on the roster of the Brewers, will begin his suspension when the Arizona League’s season begins in June.
Anderson tested positive for an amphetamine. Anderson is on the roster of the Class A Delmarva Shorebirds and his suspension will begin with the start of the South Atlantic League season.
Brooks had a second positive test for “a drug of abuse” and the member of the Class A Augusta GreenJackets will start his ban when the South Atlantic League begins play this year.
MLB has suspended 26 minor-leaguers this year, including 13 in the past week.
