Six minor leaguers given drug suspensions on eve of Dominican season

NEW YORK -- Six minor leaguers have been suspended for 25 games each on the eve of the Dominican Summer League openers, including five from the New York Yankees organization.

In addition, right-hander Alvaro Diaz of San Francisco's Arizona League Giants was suspended for 56 games following a positive test for stanozolol, the commissioner's office said Friday.

Catcher Oliver Cedeno of the DSL Yankees was banned for 25 games along with four players from the DSL Yankees 2: left-hander Jean Carlos De Jesus and right-handers Arikson Ramirez, Leyfer Ramirez and Jhostin Vargas.

Right-hander Oscar Tovar of the DSL Athletics also was penalized 25 games.

Under the minor league program, a 25-game suspension is the penalty for a first violation for use or possession of a syringe at a team facility, in team-provided housing or while traveling with a club.

There have been 55 suspensions this year under the minor league drug program.