Joey Gathright suspended 50 games by MLB for PED use

Former Boston Red Sox outfielder Joey Gathright was suspended 50 games without pay on Tuesday for testing positive for an amphetamine. The positive test is a violation of the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.

Gathright most recently played for the Bridgeport Bluefish, an independent team of the Atlantic League; he was a member of the Louisville Bats, a Triple-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds from May 24 through July 14 this season. His suspension will begin immediately when he signs with an MLB organization.

Gathright signed with the Red Sox on Aug. 29, 2009 and appeared in 17 games with the Red Sox during that season, often as a pinch runner. Gathright again signed with the Red Sox on Aug. 31, 2011 and appeared in seven games, but only had one plate appearance.

During his MLB career, Gathright has appeared in games for the Tampa Bay Rays, Kansas City Royals, and Chicago Cubs, in addition to the Red Sox. Gathright has stolen 81 bases over his 452 MLB games.