NEW YORK — Derek Dietrich was a former big-league slugger. He tested positive for stimulants and has been suspended from the league for 50 games.
Dietrich, 33, is on the roster of the New York Yankees’ Triple-A affiliate, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. In 2020, he last played in the majors for Texas.
Dietrich was among five people who were suspended Friday by the office of the commissioner for violating the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.
Pitcher Ivan Gonzalez, who is on Toronto’s Dominican Summer League roster, was suspended for 60 games without pay after testing positive for stanozolol, a performance-enhancing substance.
Karell Paz, an outfielder, was also suspended and Elvin Valeo, a pitcher, was also suspended for 60 days. Paz, who is on the Mets’ Florida Complex League team, tested positive for stanozolol, and Valerio, who is on Detroit’s Summer League roster, also tested positive for stanozolol and another performance-enhancing substance.
After testing positive for stimulants in his urine, San Francisco’s Arizona Complex League player Pitcher Kanoa Pagan was suspended for 50 games.
Each player is immediately suspended.
Under the minor league drug program, thirty-three players were expelled this year.
Six players have been suspended this year under the major league drug program: Milwaukee pitcher J.C. Mejía and Brewers catcher Pedro Severino for 80 games each; Baltimore pitcher Matt Harvey for 60 games; and free agent outfielder/first baseman Danny Santana, pitcher Richard Rodríguez and infielder José Rondón for 80 games apiece.