Royals 1B Mark Donato Suspended 50 Games For Drug Violation

The Office of the Commissioner of Baseball announced Tuesday Royals minor league first baseman Mark Donato has been suspended 50 games for a violation of the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment program.

The commissioner's office said Donato tested positive for an amphetamine. He was a part of the Arizona Rookie League Royals, and his suspension begins immediately.

Also suspended are Tampa Bay Rays minor league outfielder Joshua Sale, and Toronto Blue Jays minor league right-handed pitcher Marcus Stroman.

Sale failed a test for amphetamine and methamphetamine, and Stroman violated a test for Methylhexaneamine.

Donato was batting .253/.305/.341 in rookie ball in 2012, his first year as a professional. A 26rd round pick by the Royals out of Indian River (Fla.) State College, had three home runs and 27 RBI in 38 games this season.

Sale was the Rays' first round pick in 2010, and Stroman was the Blue Jays first round pick in 2012.