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.