NEW YORK -- Los Angeles Angels catcher Carlos Ramirez has been suspended 100 games for a third positive test for a drug of abuse in violation of baseball's minor league drug program.

Ramirez is currently on the roster of Triple-A Salt Lake and the suspension, announced Thursday, will begin at the start of the Bees' season.

Ramirez, who will turn 26 in March, served a 50-game suspension for his second offense at the start of last season. Playing for Double-A Arkansas, he batted .206 with six homers and 22 RBIs in 48 games.

There were 60 suspensions last year under the minor league drug program and 16 under the major league program.