NEW YORK (AP) — Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Antonio Alvarez and free agent pitcher Daryl Thompson have been suspended for 50 games each under baseball’s minor league drug program.
The commissioner’s office said Thursday that Alvarez tested positive for artificial testosterone and Thompson was penalized for a second violation for a drug of abuse. Thompson’s discipline will start when he signs with another major league organization.
Alvarez, who turned 22 Thursday, hit .222 with nine RBIs last year for Missoula of the rookie level Pioneer League. He was drafted in the 22nd round last June from Elon University.
Thompson was 2-0 with a 3.97 ERA in two starts and two relief appearances for the New York Mets’ Triple-A Las Vegas team. The 28-year-old righty was 0-2 in three starts for Cincinnati in 2008, when he made his big league debut at Yankee Stadium.
There have been eight suspensions this year under the minor league program.
