Hens' Nicolas suspended for 50 games

For the second time this month a Mud Hen player was suspended for violating the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.

Infielder Cesar Nicolas, who joined the team Monday, was suspended for 50 games Tuesday after testing positive for an amphetamine while with Double-A Erie.

Since the Mud Hens have only 42 games left on the schedule, Nicolas effectively has been suspended for the rest of the season.

"Cesar was not suspended for steroid use or for using an illegal drug," said Dan Lunetta, Detroit's director of minor league operations. "This was a prescribed medication for a diagnosed condition, and the medication required an exception from Major League Baseball.

"This process includes an appeal process, and the Tigers organization was aware and working with Cesar in the appeals process. It's unfortunate that, following the review, Major League Baseball's decision was to deny the appeal.

"Cesar is a young man of impeccable character. We all feel for the him."

Nicolas was signed as a minor league free agent by Detroit in January and hit .279 with seven homers and 38 RBIs in 70 games with Erie. Nicolas was promoted to Toledo on Monday when the Tigers called up Will Rhymes and Jeff Larish, but Nicolas never played for the Mud Hens.

Earlier this month outfielder Jon Weber was suspended for 100 games after testing positive for a "drug of abuse" while with the Hens.