Red Sox minor league pitcher gets 50-game suspension for drugs

NEW YORK -- Boston Red Sox minor league pitcher Victor De La Cruz was suspended 50 games after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance.

The commissioner's office said Thursday that De La Cruz tested positive for the steroid Stanozolol. His penalty took effect immediately.

A 19-year-old right-hander, De La Cruz is 3-0 with three saves and a 1.25 ERA in 11 relief appearances for Boston's Dominican Summer League team. He has 37 strikeouts and 12 walks in 36 innings.

His suspension increased the total to 15 minor leaguers who have received drug bans since July 25.