According to Paul Hoynes of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland Indians minor leaguer Dillon Howard has been suspended for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.
#Indians minor league RHP Dillon Howard has been suspended for 50 games for violation of drug policty. Howard was 2nd rnd pick in 2011.
— paul hoynes (@hoynsie) June 28, 2013
Major League Baseball issued this release:
“The Office of the Commissioner of Baseball announced today that Cleveland Indians Minor League right-handed pitcher Dillon Howard has received a 50-game suspension without pay after testing positive for an Amphetamine, a performance-enhancing substance in violation of the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.
The suspension of Howard, who is currently on the roster of the rookie-level Arizona League Indians, is effective immediately.”
Howard was drafted in the second round of the 2011 draft, one round after the team selected shortstop Francisco Lindor. MLB.com lists Howard as the Cleveland’s 10th best prospect. Indians Baseball Insider has Howard ranked as the team’s 21st best prospect.
Howard was 1-7 with a 7.90 ERA in 12 games for the Arizona League Indians last fall.
[Related: Indians hoping Nick Swisher can get back on track soon]
