2 Athletics minor leaguers suspended for drug violations

NEW YORK (AP) Two minor league players in the Oakland Athletics' system have been suspended for 50 games each because of drug violations.

The commissioner's office announced the penalties Tuesday for left-hander Kevin Duchene and catcher Beau Taylor.

The 26-year-old Taylor hit .280 with five home runs and 53 RBIs last season at Double-A Midland. He was suspended after testing positive for an amphetamine.

The 22-year-old Duchene was 1-0 with a 3.70 ERA in seven games in the rookie-level Arizona League. He was banned after a second positive test for a drug of abuse.