Giants minor league relief pitcher Kelvin Pichardo received a 50-day suspension Monday for testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance.  Pichardo, whose suspension will begin at the start of the regular season, was optioned to AAA Fresno on March 5. 

The Giants issued the following statement:

“The Giants were disappointed to learn that one of our players, Kelvin Pichardo, has failed a test for a performance enhancing drug. Our organization fully supports Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.

“As an organization, we will continue to work with our players, Major League Baseball and the Players Association to do everything we can to eliminate these performance enhancing substances from our game.

“We will continue to provide Pichardo with the necessary support and counsel during his suspension.”