Free agent Pelchy suspended 50 games

Free-agent pitcher Kyle Pelchy has been suspended 50 games for violating the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program by refusing to consent to an offseason drug test, the Office of the Commissioner of Baseball announced Wednesday.

Pelchy, who signed with Tampa Bay as a non-drafted free agent out of Virginia Commonwealth University in June, went 0-2 with a 5.25 ERA in 12 appearances out of the bullpen for the Rays' Gulf Coast League affiliate in his first pro season.

Tampa Bay released the right-hander after the season. His suspension will begin when when he signs with a new organization.

Pelchy's suspension came two days after outfielder Cody Rogers -- another Rays prospect -- was hit with identical sanctions for similarly refusing to take a drug test. In all, six players who spent this season in the Tampa Bay system have been suspended for violating the league's drug program in 2012.