2 minor leaguers suspended for positive drug tests

NEW YORK (AP) — St. Louis pitcher Perry DellaValle has been suspended for 50 games under baseball’s minor league drug program following a second positive test for a drug of abuse.

The 23-year-old right-hander, a 27th-round draft pick two years ago, was 5-6 with a 3.22 ERA in 19 starts and one relief appearance this year for Class A Palm Beach of the Florida State League.

Free agent Ricardo Frias, a 20-year-old left-hander, was suspended 72 games following a positive test for the performing-enhancing substance Stanozolol. He was 1-0 with a 0.77 ERA in eight relief appearances for Rangers2 of the Dominican Summer League before he was released July 15. His suspension would start when he signs with another major league organization.

The commissioner’s office announced the suspensions Friday. Twenty-nine players have been suspended this year under the minor league program and six under the big league program.