The Office of the Commissioner of Baseball announced today that eight Minor League players have been suspended following their violations of the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. The suspensions will all be effective at the start of each player's respective 2017 season.
Houston Astros Minor League shortstop Jonathan Arauz, who is currently on the roster of the Single-A Quad Cities River Bandits of the Midwest League, has received a 50-game suspension without pay after testing positive for Methamphetamine, a stimulant in violation of the program.
Los Angeles Dodgers Minor League right-handed pitcher Edward Perez, who is currently on the roster of the rookie-level Dominican Summer League Dodgers, has received a 72-game suspension without pay after testing positive for metabolites of Stanozolol, a performance-enhancing substance in violation of the program.
Boston Red Sox Minor League shortstop Jeremy Rivera, who is currently on the roster of the Single-A Salem Red Sox of the Carolina League, has received a 50-game suspension without pay following a violation of the program.
The following five players have each received a 50-game suspension without pay following a second positive test for a drug of abuse:
· San Francisco Giants Minor League catcher Cody Brickhouse, who is currently on the roster of the rookie-level Arizona League Giants.
· Washington Nationals Minor League second baseman Emmanuel Burriss, who is currently on the roster of the Triple-A Syracuse Chiefs of the International League.
· Los Angeles Angels Minor League shortstop Keith Grieshaber, who is currently on the roster of the rookie-level Orem Owlz of the Pioneer League.
· Cincinnati Reds Minor League right-handed pitcher Ian Kahaloa, who is currently on the roster of the rookie-level Billings Mustangs of the Pioneer League.
· Giants Minor League catcher Ty Ross, who is currently on the roster of the Single-A San Jose Giants of the California League.