Two Yankees prospects have been handed a 50 game suspension for violating the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. Edel Luaces, a 6′ 5″ outfielder and Florida native, was drafted in the 25th round of the 2016 draft. The 22 year old hit .241/.340/.460 and was among the home run leaders in the Gulf Coast League with five. Luaces tested positive for Amphetamine, a stimulant that is not permitted under the drug policy.
Fellow outfielder Erick Mendez tested positive for Propylhexedrine, also a banned stimulant. Mendez hit .296 with three homers and 26 RBIs in 26 Gulf Coast League games, and .119 over 14 Appalachian League games. The 20 year old Dominican Native signed with the Yankees as a free agent in 2014 after spending time in the Royals’ system.
Three other minor leaguers were hit with drug related suspensions: Diamondbacks pitcher Jorge Despaigne, Blue Jays catcher Cameron O’Brien and Orioles catcher Christopher O’Brien. The suspensions are effective at the start of their respective 2017 seasons.
