NEW YORK -- Toronto Blue Jays minor league pitcher Edward Rodriguez was suspended for 50 games Tuesday after testing positive for a banned performance-enhancing substance.
Rodriguez, the 10th player suspended this year under the minor league program, was assigned to the Lansing Lugnuts Class-A Midwest League. The 21-year-old is 0-1 with a 4.50 ERA in six relief appearances.
"He made a mistake; what are you going to do?" Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi said. "He's got to suffer the consequences."
The penalty this year for an initial positive test was increased from 15 games to 50 for players with minor league contracts. For major leaguers, the punishment was lengthened from 10 days to 50 games.