Cubs minor leaguer Robert Hernandez suspended for drug test
NEW YORK -- Chicago Cubs pitcher Robert Hernandez was suspended for 50 games Thursday by the baseball commissioner's office after testing positive for the steroid stanozolol under the sport's minor league drug program.
The 19-year-old right-hander was 8-9 with a 4.34 ERA in 20 starts last season with Peoria of the Midwest League and currently is assigned to the same club.
The commissioner's office said that starting with Hernandez, it will identify the specific substances players test positive for under the minor league plan. It does not announce specific substances under the major league testing program, which is subject to collective bargaining with the players' association.
Hernandez became the third player suspended this year under the minor league program, following St. Louis pitcher Scott Vander Weg (positive test) and Kansas City Royals pitcher Jacob Rodriguez (failure to test).
There were 30 suspensions last year under the minor league program and eight under the major league plan.