San Fransisco Giants

San Francisco Giants pitcher Kelvin Pichardo has been suspended for 50 games following a positive test for a banned performance-enhancing substance under Major League Baseball's drug program.

The 23-year-old right-hander, who has never appeared in the
major leagues, was 2-4 with a 2.48 ERA in 48 relief appearances
last season at Double-A Connecticut of the Eastern League. He was
optioned to Triple-A Fresno on March 5.

Pichardo will serve his suspension at the start of the season
and will lose approximately one-third of the $65,000 salary on the
minor league side of his contract, which calls for him to receive
$400,000 if brought up to the majors.

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