Rangers Prospect Demeritte Suspended For Positive Banned Substance Test

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NEW YORK (AP) - Texas Rangers second baseman Travis Demeritte has been suspended for 80 games without pay after testing positive for a banned substance under baseball's minor league drug program.

A former first-round draft pick, Demeritte tested positive for Furosemide, the commissioner's office said Thursday. The drug is found in Lasix, which has been used to prevent nasal bleeding in race horses.

The 20-year-old Demeritte attended Winder-Barrow High School in Winder, Georgia, was selected with the 30th overall pick

in 2013 and signed for $1.9 million. He is hitting .241 this season with five homers, 19 RBIs and 10 steals for Hickory of the Class A South Atlantic League.

There have been 52 suspensions this year under the minor league drug program.

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