The commissioner's office announced today that three minor league players have been suspended for 50 games without pay following their violations of the drug prevention and treatment program.

• Nationals minor league catcher Mike Albaladejo tested positive for the stimulant Methylhexaneamine. Signed as a nondrafted free agent from Florida Atlantic in July, the 22-year-old batted .234/.294/.234 in 47 at-bats in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League.

• Rays minor league outfielder Deshun Dixon failed two tests for a drug of abuse. A 2010 10th-round pick out of high school in Jackson, Miss., he batted .193/.283/.264 in 140 at-bats for short-season Hudson Valley this season.

• Free agent righthander Vince Payne also failed two tests for a drug of abuse. The Pirates released the 21-year-old, a 12th-round selection in 2010 from Cypress (Calif.) JC, after he logged a 9.00 ERA and 2.13 WHIP over 23 relief innings for low Class A West Virginia. Payne's suspension takes effect if and when he signs with another major league organization.