Former Tribe pitcher Ehlert suspended
Ehlert, who retired April 10 after making two relief appearances for Class A Advanced Carolina, received a 50-game suspension after a second violation of the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program for a drug of abuse. The suspension is effective immediately upon his return to Major League Baseball.
Ehlert, a 2011 Midwest League All-Star, flourished as Class A Lake County's closer last season and one of four pitchers who combined on the first no-hitter of the 2011 Minor League season.
The 24-year-old signed with the Indians as a non-drafted free agent in June 2010 out of Texas A&M University and debuted that summer with short-season Mahoning Valley. He spent last season at Lake County, where he was 1-2 with 16 saves and a 1.68 ERA and in 38 games.
The Orange, Texas native was promoted to Carolina this spring and had a 9.00 ERA and four strikeouts in two innings. He retired April 10, two days after his second and final appearance.
Minor Leaguers are warned after testing positive for a drug of abuse, then suspended after a second violation. The Commissioner's Office does not disclose the specific substance in these cases. Substances considered "drugs of abuse" by Major League Baseball include cocaine, marijuana, heroin, LSD, ecstasy and other opiates.
There have been 45 suspensions this year under the Minor League drug program.
Danny Wild is an editor for MLB.com.