NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Jose Guillen and Jay Gibbons were suspended Thursday for the first 15 days of next season for violating baseball’s drug policy, an indication how the sport might treat any players named in the Mitchell steroids investigation.

Guillen and Gibbons were accused in media reports of receiving human growth hormone after January 2005, when it was banned by baseball.

Gary Matthews Jr., Rick Ankiel, Troy Glaus and Scott Schoeneweis also were linked to HGH, but baseball decided there was “insufficient evidence” to determine they committed a doping violation. They were accused of receiving performance-enhancing drugs before 2005.

Guillen will file an appeal through the players’ union. Gibbons will not challenge his penalty.

Cleveland pitcher Paul Byrd also reportedly received HGH. He said he took it for a medical condition and did so under a doctor’s supervision.

“Other open investigations should be completed shortly,” MLB said in a statement.

The Mitchell report is to be released by January.