Former top pick Beckham fails drug test, banned 50 games

Tim Beckham is one of 37 minor league players to be suspended this year.

Cliff Welch/Icon SMI

NEW YORK (AP) -- Tampa Bay prospect Tim Beckham, the overall No. 1 pick in the 2008 draft, has been suspended 50 games after a second violation of the minor league drug program.

The commissioner's office announced the penalty Tuesday.

The 22-year-old Beckham was hitting .204 in 13 games for Triple-A Durham. The shortstop had been on the disabled list because of a sprained left wrist.

Beckham played in the All-Star Futures Game last July after a slow start in his pro career.

In a statement released by the Rays, Beckham says he's sorry for his actions and takes "full responsibility" for his "poor judgment."

Rays executive vice president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman says Beckham "must rededicate himself."

There have been 37 suspensions this year under the minor league drug program.

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