Zach Buchanan

zbuchanan@enquirer.com

Cincinnati Reds pitching prospect Ian Kahaloa has been suspended 50 games for testing positive for a drug of abuse, Major League Baseball announced on Tuesday.

The 19-year-old right-hander was the team's fifth-round pick out of a Hawaii high school in the 2015 draft. This year, Baseball America ranked him 26th among the team's top 30 prospects, although he fell out of the top 30 for MLB.com after appearing there a year ago.

The positive test was his second, according to the announcement. Under MLB's Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program, a first positive test triggers only a "mandatory evaluation and follow-up testing." A third positive test would result in a 100-game suspension, while a fourth results in a permanent ban from affiliated baseball.

Under the program, a "drug of abuse" means a recreational drug such as – but not limited to – marijuana, cocaine or opiates. Which drug triggered a positive test is always kept confidential.

Last season was Kahaloa's second in pro ball, and his first full year after being drafted. He made 10 starts with Rookie-Advanced Billings, posting a 2.82 ERA and striking out 8.5 batters per nine innings.

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