Major League Baseball

Pair of minor league pitchers get drug suspensions

Published Mar. 1, 2019 5:28 p.m. ET

NEW YORK (AP) — Colorado pitcher Luis De Avila and Baltimore pitcher Willie Rios have been suspended for violations of the minor league drug program.

De Avila was banned for 72 games following a positive test for the performance-enhancing substance Boldenone, the commissioner's office said Friday. Rios was penalized 50 games after a second positive test for a drug of abuse.

De Avila, a 17-year-old left-hander, was 2-2 with a 6.16 ERA last season in seven starts and one relief appearance for the Dominican Summer League Rockies.

Rios, a 23-year-old left-hander, was 2-4 with a 5.32 ERA last year in nine starts and three relief appearances for Class A Aberdeen of the New York-Penn League.

Nine players have been suspended this year under the minor league program, plus Kansas City pitcher Eric Skoglund under the major league program.