Two Athletics minor leaguers suspended for drug violations

NEW YORK -- Two minor league players in the Oakland Athletics' system have been suspended for 50 games each because of drug violations.

The commissioner's office announced the penalties Tuesday for left-hander Kevin Duchene and catcher Beau Taylor.

The 26-year-old Taylor hit .280 with five home runs and 53 RBI last season at Double-A Midland. He was suspended after testing positive for an amphetamine.

The 22-year-old Duchene was 1-0 with a 3.70 ERA in seven games in the rookie-level Arizona League. He was banned after a second positive test for a drug of abuse.