Dodgers' Salcedo hit with 144-game ban

NEW YORK -- Dodgers right-hander Adrian Salcedo will miss the entire 2016 season after Major League Baseball handed the 25-year-old a 144-game suspension on Wednesday afternoon.

Salcedo and Phillies Minor League righty Skylar Hunter both tested positive for banned substances in violation of the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program, the Office of the Commissioner said. Hunter was banned for 50 games without pay after a second positive test for a drug of abuse, while Salcedo was flagged for using Boldenone, a performance-enhancing substance.

Salcedo, who is currently serving a 100-game suspension from this past September, was previously slapped with an 80-game suspension last April 29 when he tested positive for Tamoxifen and Heptaminol. He served that ban and was activated on July 31 before MLB issued a 100-game ban on Sept. 1 after the starter again tested positive for Heptaminol. The former Twins starter elected free agency and the Dodgers signed him to a Minor League contract on Nov. 21. The Commissioner's Office said Salcedo's latest punishment will be effective upon the completion of his current suspension.

Hunter, 22, was the Phillies' 12th-round pick out of The Citadel last summer. He went 3-3 with a 3.48 ERA and 21 strikeouts in 33 2/3 innings over 22 relief outings with Class A Short Season Williamsport. His suspension will be effective on Opening Day.

Boldenone, more commonly known and marketed as Equipoise, is an anabolic steroid developed for veterinary use, primarily to treat horses. Side effects include increased muscle growth, red blood cell counts and appetite.

Players are typically issued a warning following a first positive test for a drug of abuse and a suspension for a second offense. Substances considered "drugs of abuse" by Major League Baseball include cocaine, marijuana, heroin, LSD, ecstasy and other opiates.

Major League Baseball has suspended 25 players for violations of the Minor League drug program this year.