New York — Cincinnati Reds catcher Ryan Jorgenson was suspended for 50 games today, the third player penalized this year under Major League Baseball’s drug program.
The announcement from the commissioner’s office did not cite a failed drug test, making it unclear why he was being suspended.
Jorgenson, a 28-year-old originally signed by the Chicago Cubs in 2000, played four games each for Florida in 2005 and the Reds this year. He was optioned to Triple-A Louisville on Aug. 27 and was not recalled when active rosters expanded last weekend.
Two other players have been suspended this year under the major league program.
Tampa Bay pitcher Juan Salas was suspended for 50 games on May 7 following a positive test for a banned performance-enhancing substance. Detroit infielder Neifi Perez was suspended for 25 games on July 6 when he tested positive for a second time for a banned stimulant, then was suspended for 80 games on Aug. 3 following a third positive test for a banned stimulant.
