NEW YORK - A free agent pitcher has been suspended for 50 games under the minor league drug program.
Right-hander Rafael Martinez was penalized Monday by the commissioner's office. Martinez was banned after he refused to take a drug test.
The 24-year-old Martinez last pitched in 2011 for the San Francisco Giants' system. He was 2-1 with a 7.53 ERA in the Class A Northwest League.
The penalty will take effect if Martinez signs with a big league organization.
There have been 102 suspensions this year under the minor league drug problem and seven suspensions under the major league program.
