NEW YORK (AP) Texas Rangers catcher Melvin Novoa has been suspended for 56 games under baseball's minor league drug program following a positive test for the banned performance-enhancing substance Clostebol.
In addition, Boston Red Sox catcher Jhon Nunez has been suspended 25 games, the commissioner's office said Monday. A 25-game suspension is the penalty for a first violation for use or possession of a syringe at a team facility, in team-provided housing or while traveling with a club.
Novoa, 19, is to start serving his penalty when the Arizona League season begins.
The 21-year-old Nunez hit .316 (6 for 19) with one RBI this year for Greenville of the Class A South Atlantic League and is on the roster of Lowell of the Class A New York-Penn League, which starts play this weekend.
There have been 57 suspensions this year under the minor league drug program.
