Five Minor Leaguers have been suspended for violating the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program, MLB announced Friday.
Astros right-hander Carlos Pimentel was suspended 56 games after testing positive for the performance-enhancing substance Stanozolol. Blue Jays Minor League shortstop Hugo Cardona, infielder Yhon Perez and catcher Leonicio Ventura were all suspended 72 games after testing positive for Boldenone, another performance-enhancing substance.
In addition, Minor League free agent right-hander Angel Nesbitt was suspended 56 games after testing positive for the stimulant Heptaminol.
The 23-year-old Pimentel pitched for the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League Astros in 2017, posting a 4.66 ERA, three saves and 21 strikeouts in 14 relief appearances. His suspension is effective at the start of the 2018 GCL season.
Cardona, Perez and Ventura are all on the roster of the Dominican Summer League Blue Jays, and their suspensions are effective at the start of the 2018 DSL season. The 18-year-old Cardona hit .249 and stole 15 bases in 57 games for the DSL Blue Jays this season. Perez, 17, hit .249 with four triples and 24 RBIs in 55 games. Ventura, 20, hit .290 with a .370 on-base percentage over 33 games.
Nesbitt's suspension will be effective immediately if he signs with another MLB organization.