Two minor league free agent pitchers suspended for failed drug tests

NEW YORK (AP) — Free agent minor league pitchers Luis Gomez and Julio Dilone were suspended Monday following positive tests for the performance-enhancing substance Stanozolol under the minor league drug program.

Gomez was suspended for 80 games and Dilone for 60, the commissioner's office announced. The suspensions will start when they sign with a major league organization.

Dilone signed a minor league deal with the San Diego Padres in spring training after pitching last year in the independent Atlantic League and was released on Aug. 6. The 26-year-old right-hander went 1-2 with a 5.02 ERA in 11 games this season for two low-level teams, with 20 strikeouts and eight walks in 14 1/3 innings.

Gomez, a 21-year-old right-hander, was 2-2 with an 11.00 ERA in 18 relief appearances for the rookie level Florida Complex League Marlins before his release on July 23. He signed a minor league contract with Miami for a $10,000 bonus in June 2025.

Eleven players have been disciplined this year for a drug violation.

Atlanta outfielder Jurickson Profar was suspended for the entire season on March 3 after testing positive for exogenous testosterone and its metabolites. The failed test was Profar’s second offense under the major league drug agreement.

Free agent outfielder Max Kepler was banned for 80 games on Jan. 9 after a positive test for Epitrenbolone. He signed with Arizona and returned to the major leagues on June 26.

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