Around the horn

Commissioner Bud Selig said Tuesday that the suspension of Alex Sanchez for testing positive under Major League Baseball’s new drug policy proved that the system is working.

“We did what we said we were going to do,” Selig said. “Alex Sanchez tested positive … and he’s gone for 10 days.”

Selig spoke at Yankee Stadium during New York’s game against Boston, a day after 38 minor leaguers were suspended for violating baseball’s minor league steroids policy.

He was disappointed in the number of minor leaguers suspended, which included mostly players on the teams that hold spring training in Arizona. Selig did not know when the results would be known for the 18 teams that play in Florida.

Sanchez, a Tampa Bay outfielder, on Sunday became the first player suspended under the more stringent guidelines adopted in January.

“Does it need to be toughened? Yes, it does,” Selig said. “But at least there is a policy.”

New deal for Martinez

The Cleveland Indians and All-Star catcher Victor Martinez agreed to a $15.5 million, five-year contract that could be worth up $22.25 million over six seasons. Martinez batted .283 with 23 homers and 108 RBIs last season and was picked for the A.L. All-Star team.

Freel charged with DUI

Cincinnati’s Ryan Freel was charged with drunken driving in Bellevue, Ky., after the Reds beat the New York Mets 7-6 in their season opener.

Police arrested Freel on Monday night in northern Kentucky, across the Ohio River from Cincinnati. He was charged with drunken driving, careless driving and having an open container in a motor vehicle.

He was released after a $500 bond was posted.

Clearing the bases

Rick Ankiel was placed on unconditional release waivers by the St. Louis Cardinals, who are waiting to find out whether he will be claimed by another team. Ankiel was out of options. … Greg Myers, sidelined most of last season with an ankle injury, was added to the Toronto Blue Jays’ roster as a backup catcher.