D-backs' Simmons suspended 50 games

NEW YORK -- D-backs' Minor League shortstop Kal Simmons was suspended for 50 games Thursday after testing positive for a banned substance.

The Office of the Commissioner of Baseball said Simmons, Arizona's eighth-round pick earlier this summer, received a 50-game suspension without pay after testing positive for an amphetamine, which is considered a stimulant in violation of the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.

The suspension of Simmons, who is currently on the roster of Rookie-level Missoula, will be effective at the start of the 2016 Pioneer League season next June.

The 21-year-old infielder hit .222 with two home runs, 18 RBIs and a .278 on-base-percentage in 171 at-bats across 50 games. The Kennesaw State product signed with the D-backs on June 15 and made his Minor League debut three days later. His biggest game of the season came in the playoffs on Sept. 13 when he went a career-high 4-for-5 with a homer and six RBIs.

Amphetamines are considered a stimulant and a performance-enhancing substance by the Major League Baseball's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. Minor Leaguers who test positive for PEDs are subject to at least a 50-game suspension upon their first violation.

Matt Railey, another Missoula outfielder, was also suspended for amphetamines on Feb. 23.

Major League Baseball has handed out 88 suspensions to 86 players this year for violations of the Minor League drug program.