Pair of minor leaguers suspended for drugs of abuse
NEW YORK (AP) San Francisco shortstop Travious Relaford has been suspended for 100 games following a third positive test for a drug of abuse under baseball's minor league drug program. Free agent pitcher Brent Jones has been banned 50 games after a second positive test.
The 23-year-old Relaford was a 44th-round draft pick in 2011 and hit .237 with one homer and 36 RBIs last year for Augusta of the South Atlantic League. He hasn't played this season.
Jones, a 23-year-old right-hander, was a fourth-round draft pick of Arizona two years ago from Cornell. He went 3-7 with a 4.56 ERA in 14 starts and two relief appearances last year for the Diamondbacks' Arizona Rookie League team and a pair of Class A clubs. He was released April 19.
The suspensions announced Monday raise this year's total violations of the minor league program to 36.