Report: Players to be tested for HGH

NEW YORK -- The New York Times is reporting that Major League Baseball plans to test Minor League players for human growth hormone.

The newspaper, citing an unidentified baseball official with direct knowledge of the matter, reported on its Web site Tuesday night that MLB will implement blood tests that can reveal HGH use.

On Monday, a British rugby league player became the first athlete to be suspended for using human growth hormone.

Commissioner Bud Selig has used the Minor Leagues to introduce new steps against the use of performance-enhancing drugs before.

Baseball historically has not tested for HGH because there is not a validated urine test.

New union chief Michael Weiner has said he anticipated changes in the drug program this year.