Prospect gets 50-game suspension

By La Velle E. Neal III, Star Tribune

Last update: April 20, 2007 - 10:37 PM

KANSAS CITY - Righthander Anthony Swarzak, one of the Twins' better minor league prospects, has been suspended for 50 games for violating the minor league drug-testing policy.

Swarzak, currently at Class AA New Britain, will be allowed to work out before games but can't be in uniform for games. Swarzak, 0-2 with an 11.12 ERA for the Rock Cats in two appearances, tested positive for a drug of abuse and not a performance-enhancing substance.

"It's disappointing," Twins General Manager Terry Ryan said. "We take a lot of pride in making sure the players are educated. A mistake has been made here, and players need to be held accountable for their actions.

"Unfortunately, 50 games of a season is quite a bit of the season. It's going to cost him development time. There's consequences of him not being able to go out and take the mound. He isn't developing. That's what's sad."

Jim Rantz, Twins director of minor leagues, will stay in touch with Swarzak and his family on how he should proceed. For now, Swarzak has been turned over to the Twins' Employee Assistance Program, which specializes in helping players and staff through situations like Swarzak's.

"This is bigger than baseball," Ryan said. "This is an education in life, in what's right and what's wrong. Everyone knows the rules. There aren't any surprises. People have been educated.

"I feel sorry for his family. We'll stand by him and help him and make sure he gets the proper guidance."

Swarzak, 21, was the Twins' second-round pick in 2004 and was 11-7 with a 3.27 ERA last season for Class A Fort Myers.

White, Castillo ... no

The Twins hoped to activate Rondell White on Friday, but his sore right calf didn't respond well when he tried to run in the outfield before the game. White hopes he'll just need a couple more days to recover. Jason Tyner, a lefthanded hitter, started against lefty Odalis Perez on Friday.

"It felt pretty good [Thursday] and [now] it's just another setback," White said. "So I'll take it as it comes and when I'm ready to roll, I'm ready to roll."

There's a chance White may not play until Monday against Cleveland.

Luis Castillo, who strained his left quad while running out a double on Thursday, rode a bike before Friday's game but was unsure when he'll be able to play.

Alexi Casilla started at second base for Castillo on Friday. The Twins medical staff doesn't think a trip to the disabled list will be necessary.

Torii ... yes

Outfielder Torii Hunter, admittedly not at 100 percent, returned to the lineup after missing two games because of a bruised left shoulder. He said it bothers him to swing but it won't make him less aggressive in the field.

"I will dive," he said. "When you are running after the ball you are not thinking about pain. Afterwards, I'll think about it."

Etc.

• The Twins have at least one double in 11 consecutive games. Hunter still led the majors in doubles (nine) entering Friday's game.

• Hunter is aware of Mike Sweeney's comments asking about the champagne Hunter was supposed to send the Royals for sweeping Detroit during the final series of last season, allowing the Twins to win the division on the last day. "I'm trying to get a discount," Hunter said. "It's kind of expensive. I went, 'Wow.' I'm still a Royals fan right now. We go out there and play to win, but they still are my favorite team."

La Velle E. Neal III • lneal@startribune.com