Indians Minor Leaguer Ruiz suspended for drug violation

CLEVELAND -- Major League Baseball announced Friday that Indians Minor League outfielder Brian Ruiz has received a suspension due to a violation of the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.

Ruiz has been suspended 80 games without pay after testing positive for metabolites of methandienone and oxandrolone, which are performance-enhancing substances in violation of the program. The Minor League outfielder's suspension will begin at the start of the 2015 Midwest League season, because he is currently on the roster for Class A (low) Lake County.

The 22-year-old Ruiz is a product of Lincoln West High School in Cleveland and was selected by the Indians in the 41st round of the 2011 First-Year Player Draft. In 85 games for Lake County last year, the outfielder hit .260 with three home runs and 28 RBIs in his third professional season.