Former Mets Carson among 5 suspended for positive drug tests

NEW YORK (AP) Former New York Mets pitcher Robert Carson was among five players suspended 50 games each under baseball's minor league drug program.

The 26-year-old left-hander, on the roster of the Los Angeles Dodgers' new Triple-A affiliate in Oklahoma City, tested positive a second time for a drug of abuse, the commissioner's office said Tuesday.

Carson appeared in 31 games for the Mets in 2012 and `13, compiling a 6.82 ERA without any decisions. He was claimed by the Los Angeles Angels after the season, went 0-1 with a 10.12 ERA at Triple-A Salt Lake and released on May 10. Carson signed with the Dodgers a week later and pitched at Class A Rancho Cucamonga, Double-A Chattanooga and Triple-A Albuquerque, going 2-5 with a 5.40 ERA in 18 appearances with the Isotopes.

Dodgers outfielder Theo Alexander and free agent right-handers Kramer Champlin and Kyle Simon also were suspended 50 games each for second positive tests for drugs of abuse.

Free agent left-hander Chad James was suspended 50 games for a second positive test for a banned amphetamine.

The suspension of a free agent starts when he signs with another big league organization.

There have been 18 suspensions this year under the minor league drug program.