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Three minor league players suspended by MLB for drug violations

Major League Baseball announced Friday that it has suspended three minor league players for violating the league's Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.
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Major League Baseball announced Friday that it has suspended three minor league players for violating the league's Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.

All of the suspensions are without pay.

Tampa Bay Rays minor league outfielder Spencer Edwards received an 80-game suspension for multiple performance-enhancing substances. Edwards is a former second-round draft pick by the Rays in 2012 and spent last season at Single-A Bowling Green.

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Free agent right-handed pitcher Joseph Gardner-Prophet was suspended for 50 games after testing positive for a drug of abuse for a second time. His suspension will take effect when he signs with another major league organization. A 2009 third-round pick, Gardner-Prophet has spent the last four seasons at the Double-A level.

Cleveland Indians minor league outfielder Brian Ruiz received an 80-game suspension for testing positive for metabolites of Methandienone and Oxandrolone. Ruiz spent the 2014 season with Single-A Lake County Captains.

Earlier this month, MLB suspended four other minor league players, including MLB veteran Wilson Betemit. 

- Molly Geary