Three Minor League players suspended

The Office of the Commissioner of Baseball announced today that three Minor League players have been suspended following their violations of the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.

Kansas City Royals Minor League outfielder Mike Bianucci has received an 80-game suspension after testing positive for Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide 2 (GHRP-2) and metabolite, a performance-enhancing substance in violation of the Program. The suspension of Bianucci, who is currently on the roster of the Double-A Northwest Arkansas Naturals of the Texas League, is effective immediately.

Texas Rangers Minor League left-handed pitcher Chad James has received a 25-game suspension following a violation of the Program. The suspension of James, who is currently on the roster of the Single-A High Desert Mavericks of the California League, is effective immediately.

Seattle Mariners Minor League right-handed pitcher Edwin Martinez has received a 72-game suspension without pay after testing positive for metabolites of Stanozolol, a performance-enhancing substance in violation of the Program. The suspension of Martinez, who is currently on the roster of the Dominican Summer League Mariners 1, is effective immediately.