2 minor league free agents suspended for drugs

Published Nov. 18, 2014 5:24 p.m. ET

foxsports

NEW YORK (AP) Two minor league free agents who played in the Oakland Athletics' organization last season have been suspended after positive drug tests.

The commissioner's office announced the penalties Tuesday.

Outfielder Dayton Alexander was suspended 76 games without pay after testing positive for metabolites of performance-enhancing Methandienone and Methyltestosterone. The 23-year-old Alexander hit .207 with seven RBIs in 36 games for Vermont of the Class A New York-Penn League.

Outfielder Ben McQuown drew a 50-game ban without pay following a second positive test for a drug of abuse. The 24-year-old McQuown hit .239 with two homers and 15 RBIs in 52 games for Vermont.

The penalties take effect if the players sign with a major league organization. There have been 62 players suspended this year under the minor league drug program.