DSL Tigers' Acosta, DSL Rockies' Ugarte suspended

A pair of Dominican Summer Leaguers will miss time in 2024 after testing positive for banned drugs.

The Office of the Commissioner of Baseball announced Friday that two Minor League players -- Tigers pitcher Luis Acosta and Rockies infielder Ronny Ugarte -- have been suspended following their violations of the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.

Acosta, who is currently on the roster of the Dominican Summer League Tigers, received a 56-game suspension without pay after testing positive for Stanozolol, a performance-enhancing substance in violation of the program. Ugarte, who spent this season with the DSL Rockies, received a 56-game suspension without pay after testing positive for Boldenone, a performance-enhancing substance in violation of the program.

The suspensions of both players will be effective at the start of the 2024 DSL season.

Acosta, 21, appeared in 19 games with Detroit's two DSL affiliates in 2023, going 1-0 with a 3.96 ERA and 29 strikeouts in 25 innings, all in relief. The right-hander spent the 2021 season with the DSL Rays, appearing in 14 games before getting released. He did not pitch in 2022, eventually signing with Detroit on June 3, 2023.

Ugarte, 18, signed with Colorado on Jan. 15, 2022 and has hit .305 with 10 homers, 64 RBIs and 34 doubles in 92 games over the past two seasons in the DSL. The first baseman batted .335 in 2023, with 55 hits in 43 games.