GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Reds Minor League pitcher Jose Veras was suspended 72 games on Friday for the use of an anabolic steroid, which violated the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.
The 22-year-old right-hander has been pitching the past three seasons for the Reds' organization in the Dominican Summer League, posting a 3-4 record with a 1.86 ERA in 13 starts last year.
Major League Baseball reported that Veras had tested positive for metabolites of Stanozolol, a performance-enhancing drug that is banned at both the Major League and Minor League levels.
The suspension begins for the Dominican Republic native with the commencement of this coming Dominican Summer League season.
The Reds signed Veras as a free agent on Dec. 12, 2012.