Six more DSL players suspended for drugs

NEW YORK -- The Office of the Commissioner of Baseball announced today that six Minor League players have received 50-game suspensions after each tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance in violation of the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.

All six players had been playing for their respective organization's Rookie-level affiliates in the Dominican Summer League. Major League Baseball has suspended 13 players from the Dominican Summer League in the last week for performance-enhancing substance violations, including eight in the last two days.

San Diego Padres shortstop Alvaro Aristy was suspended after testing positive for nandrolone. Aristy was the only position player to test positive of the group.

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Jose Batista tested positive for stanozolol, as did Yankees pitcher Francis Moreta and Mets pitcher Derlin Soriano.

Astros pitcher Felix Ramirez and Cubs hurler Ramon Reyes tested positive for boldenone.

All six suspensions are effective immediately.

The news comes two days after DSL Rangers pitcher Miguel Munoz was banned for 100 games after a second violation.

To date, 44 Minor Leaguers have been suspended during the 2009 season for violating the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.