Two minor leaguers suspended 50 games

Chicago White Sox minor league right-handed pitcher Nicholas Blount and Chicago Cubs minor league shortstop Elliot Soto were each suspended 50 games by Major League Baseball for violating the minor league drug prevention and treatment program.

The suspensions are effective at the beginning of next season.

Blount tested positive for an amphetamine. He is currently on the roster of the rookie-level Great Falls Voyagers of the Pioneer League.

Soto was banned after a second violation for a drug of abuse. He is currently on the roster of the Class-A Daytona Cubs of the Florida State League.