D-backs cut Brito following suspension

NEW YORK -- The Arizona Diamondbacks have voided the contract of a young Dominican prospect after he was suspended Monday afternoon for performance-enhancing drug use.

MLB.com's Steve Gilbert reported Monday that the D-backs cut ties with Socrates Brito, a 17-year-old the club had signed for reported a $190,000 in February. Brito was suspended 50 games after testing positive for stanozolol, a performance-enhancing substance.

According to a Sports Illustrated report in February, Brito's contract also included a scholarship that would have sent the outfielder to college. Scouts were initially impressed with his performance in the D-backs' Dominican Academy.

The suspension of Brito will be effective immediately upon signing with a Major League organization.

The Office of the Commissioner of Baseball also announced today that New York Mets Minor League pitcher Angel Calero has also been suspended after testing positive for nandrolone, a performance-enhancing substance.

The suspension of Calero, who is currently on the roster of Class A Advanced St. Lucie of the Florida State League, is effective immediately. The left-handed Valencia, Venezuela native is 1-1 with a 5.68 ERA in four relief outings this season for the Mets.

He finished the 2009 season 3-11 with a 4.61 ERA in 22 outings at St. Lucie after missing time in 2008 with surgery.

There have been 18 suspensions this year under the Minor League drug program.