San Francisco Giants pitcher Kelvin Pichardo has been suspended for 50 games following a positive test for a banned performance-enhancing substance under Major League Baseball's drug program.
The 23-year-old right-hander, who has never appeared in the major leagues, was 2-4 with a 2.48 ERA in 48 relief appearances last season at Double-A Connecticut of the Eastern League. He was optioned to Triple-A Fresno on March 5.
Pichardo will serve his suspension at the start of the season and will lose approximately one-third of the $65,000 salary on the minor league side of his contract, which calls for him to receive $400,000 if brought up to the majors.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
