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Stanley, Thompson banned 50 games

Triple-A Twins' lefty violates drug program for second time
March 27, 2012
NEW YORK -- Twins lefty Aaron Thompson and Cardinals catcher Cody Stanley were each suspended 50 games on Tuesday for their violations of the Minor League drug program.

Stanley, St. Louis' fourth-round pick in 2010 out of UNC-Wilmington, received a 50-game suspension after testing positive for Methylhexaneamine and Tamoxifen. The 23-year-old hit .264 with 11 homers and 66 RBIs in 101 games as a Midwest League All-Star for Class A Quad Cities last season.

Tamoxifen blocks the actions of estrogen and is used to treat and prevent some types of breast cancer. It is sometimes taken to mask the use of other performance-enhancing substances. Methylhexaneamine is the main ingredient in several pre-workout supplements like Jack3d, a substance banned by Major League Baseball. It's believed to increase focus and energy.

Thompson received his suspension after a second violation for a drug of abuse. The 25-year-old signed with the Twins in December and was slated to begin the season with Triple-A Rochester after pitching in the Dominican Winter League. He was originally the Marlins' first-round pick in 2005, going No. 22 overall, and has also played for Washington and Pittsburgh since making his debut in the summer of '05.

Last season, the Santa Fe, N.M., native went 5-7 with a 4.73 ERA in 33 games (16 starts) between Double-A Altoona and Triple-A Indianapolis in the Bucs' system.

Major League Baseball has suspended 26 players this year for violations of the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. The suspensions of Stanley and Thompson will be effective at the start of the season.

Danny Wild is an editor for MLB.com.