Toronto Blue Jays minor league pitcher Clinton Hollon has been suspended 50 games for a positive drug test.
Shi Davidi of Sportset.ca reported Tuesday that Hollon received 50 games following his second failed test for a drug of abuse.
The 21-year-old Hollon was previously suspended 50 games after a failed drug test for an amphetamine last August. He has not yet pitched in 2016 while finishing up his previous suspension, which Davidi noted ended Monday night.
Hollon’s latest suspension goes into effect Tuesday, making him eligible to return on July 1. The right-hander is currently playing in Low-A for the Lansing Lugnuts. He posted a 3.38 ERA with 45 strikeouts over 58.2 innings in 12 starts across two levels last season.
ESPN’s Keith Law did note when Tuesday’s suspension was announced that there were “makeup and medical concerns” with Hollon before the draft, though he added there is talent “if he can get on the field.” Hollon had Tommy John surgery in March 2014 that caused him to miss the entire season.
The Blue Jays took Hollon in the second round with the 47th overall pick in the 2013 Major League Baseball draft.
MLB.com listed Hollon as Toronto’s No. 11 prospect coming into 2016, noting he can sit “92-93 mph and touched 96 with his fastball while flashing an above-average slider and a quality knuckle-curve.”
An electric arm like Hollon’s should be a huge asset for the Blue Jays, either for the future in their starting rotation or as a potential trade chip. Unfortunately, his inability to stay on the field due to multiple suspensions renders his talent useless for the team.
Hollon is still young and has time to turn things around, but time is running out for him.
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