Major League Baseball released the following statement about a half-hour ago:

The Office of the Commissioner of Baseball announced today that Los Angeles Dodgers Minor League pitcher Angel Guzman has received a 50-game suspension after a second violation of the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program for a drug of abuse.

The suspension of Guzman, who is currently on the roster of Triple-A Albuquerque of the Pacific Coast League, is effective immediately.

Guzman is not on the Dodgers’ 40-man roster. He signed a minor-league contract with the Dodgers in December and was invited to spring training, where he put up good numbers: 5.1 scoreless innings, one hit, no runs, one walk and two strikeouts.

The 30-year-old right-hander last pitched in the majors with the Chicago Cubs in 2009. He split last season between the Cubs-affiliated Peoria Chiefs (Single-A) and Daytona Cubs (High-A).

Guzman was never assigned to the Isotopes but instead remained in extended spring training. A team spokesperson said that the Dodgers were working on “front-side delivery issues” with the pitcher and, if someone got hurt or if the need arose, Guzman could have been sent to Albuquerque or Double-A Chattanooga.

“I knew about it in spring training,” manager Don Mattingly told reporters prior to the Dodgers’ game in Houston. “It’s a unique situation with that kid and it’s a little deeper. There’s more to this story. I really like him, he’s got a great arm and is a hard worker and a great kid. He’s not someone to write off.”