Three pitchers suspended for drug use
NEW YORK — Three pitchers have been suspended under baseball’s minor league drug program, including a 100-game penalty for a third violation.
Detroit right-hander Tommy Collier, Washington righty Jefry Rodriguez and free agent righty Montreal Robertson (McGehee) have been banned. The commissioner’s office made the announcement Tuesday.
Collier was suspended 100 games for a third positive test for a drug of abuse. The 27-yearold was on the roster of Class AA Erie, but hadn’t pitched this year.
Rodriguez drew an 80-game ban after testing positive for a metabolite of Clomiphene, a performance-enhancing substance. The 23-year-old was 3-2 with a 4.17 ERA for Class A Potomac.
Robertson, 26, was suspended 50 games for a second positive test for a drug of abuse, which includes but is not limited to cocaine, opiates, PCP and cannabinoids. He last pitched in the Detroit Tigers organization in 2015, going a combined 4-10 with a 3.31 ERA while going 2 for 5 in save opportunities for the Class AA Erie (Pa.) SeaWolves and the High-A Lakeland (Fla.) Flying Tigers. Robertson missed the 2016 season after injuring his shoulder while lifting weights and was placed on the 7-day disabled list by Erie on April 6 with an undisclosed injury before being released on April 20.
There have been 34 suspensions this year under the minor league drug program, including former Arkansas Razorback Tyler Spoon, who was suspended for 50 games in January following a positive test for a banned stimulant. There have been two under the big league program: Pittsburgh All-Star outfielder Starling Marte and Philadelphia pitcher Elniery Garcia.