Dodger Minor League pitcher Angel Guzman has been suspended for 50 games for a second violation of the Minor League drug prevention and treatment program for a drug of abuse, the commissioner’s office announced on Friday. According to ESPN’s Tony Jackson, the term “drug of abuse” usually refers to a narcotic, something different from a performance-enhancing substance such as steroids.

The 30-year old Guzman, a non-roster invitee to the Dodgers 2012 Major League spring training camp and who actually did rather well allowing no runs, one hit, one walk and two strikeouts in his 5.1 innings of work, was signed to a Minor League contract after having spent 13 seasons in baseball, the last 12 in the Cubs organization.

Dodger Minor League pitcher Angel Guzman is congratulated by catch Tim Federowicz after an excellent outing during spring training (Photo by Jon SooHoo)

The news of Guzman’s suspension came as no surprise to the Dodgers. “I knew about it in spring training,” said Dodgers manager Don Mattingly. “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.”

Knowing that a suspension was imminent, Guzman remained in Arizona after spring training even though he had been assigned to Triple-A Albuquerque. He did not appear in any games for the Isotopes.