Blue Jays farmhand Farina suspended

Blue Jays farmhand Alan Farina, Toronto's third-round draftee in 2007 and a veteran of six seasons in the Minors, was suspended 50 games without pay following his second violation of the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. Farina's positive test was for a drug of abuse, according to the Office of the Commissioner of Baseball, which made the announcement Wednesday afternoon.

Players who test positive for a drug of abuse -- marijuana, cocaine, opiates, etc. -- are typically not suspended until a second positive test under the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.

Farina, who is currently on Class A Advanced Dunedin's roster, is a Clemson University product. He excelled in 2010 and '11, compiling a 1.29 ERA and 1.56 ERA, respectively, as a member of the Dunedin and Double-A New Hampshire bullpens. The 26-year-old righty took a step back last season, turning in a 5.18 ERA in 24 relief appearances at Dunedin.

Farina, whose suspension will take effect at the start of next season, is the fourth Minor Leaguer suspended in 2013. Astros prospect Jonathan Singleton accepted his punishment last Wednesday and two Minor League catchers were suspended Monday.