NEW YORK -- Cleveland Indians right-hander Dillon Howard has been suspended for 50 games without pay under baseball's minor league drug program following a positive test for an amphetamine.
Howard, who turns 21 on Monday, was selected on the second round of the 2011 amateur draft with the 67th pick and agreed to a $1.85 million signing bonus.
He was 1-7 with a 7.90 ERA in 10 starts and two relief appearances last year for the rookie-level Arizona League Indians and hasn't pitched this season. He was assigned to extended spring training this year with right knee soreness and because of poor conditioning, Indians spokesman Bart Swain said.
A first violation for a stimulant results in a suspension under the minor league drug program, but triggers only follow-up testing for players on 40-man major league rosters.
The suspension announced Friday was the 26th this year under the minor league program.