Daryle Ward suspended 50 games
NEW YORK -- Daryle Ward, an 11-season veteran who hasn't played in the major leagues since 2008, has been suspended for 50 games after testing positive for a banned amphetamine under the minor league testing program.
Ward spent last season in the minor league systems of the Chicago White Sox and Arizona Diamondbacks. He batted .318 with two homers and 18 RBIs in 28 games with Double-A Mobile in the Diamondbacks system. He currently is a free agent.
The 36-year-old has a .263 career average with 90 homers and 379 RBIs for Houston (1998-02), the Los Angeles Dodgers (2003), Pittsburgh (2004-05), Washington (2006), Atlanta (2006) and the Chicago Cubs (2007-08).
In addition, free-agent left-hander Dustin Richardson was suspended 50 games for testing positive for several substances.
Each penalty will start when the player signs with a big league organization.
Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press
SPONSORED HEADLINES
MORE MLB HEADLINES
- Francona expects emotional Fenway return
- Jays' Happ ready to start throwing outdoors
- Yanks' Teixeira 'can't be happier' with progress
- Mariners send slumping Montero to minors
MOST SENT STORIES ON ESPN.COM
EDITORS' PICKS

- Fenway Revisited
- Expecting an emotional series, Terry Francona is back at Fenway. Story »

- On A Collision Course
- Astros and Marlins could set some dubious records. Stark »

- Decisions, Decisions
- The targets and needs of every NL team. MLB Draft

- MLB Draft: NL Central targets
- Bowden: Indians should be sellers
- Szymborski: Best in-house upgrades
- Lindbergh: O's even better in 2013
- Law: Diagnosing Hosmer, Moustakas' woes
