NEW YORK (AP) — Former star closer Jose Valverde has been suspended 80 games following a positive drug test in the minor leagues.
The commissioner’s office announced the penalty Friday.
The 37-year-old Valverde hasn’t pitched in the majors since 2014 with the New York Mets. He had 10 saves for Triple-A Syracuse this season before the Washington Nationals released him last month.
Valverde is a free agent and his ban will take effect if he signs with another big league organization.
Always animated on the mound, Valverde had 288 saves with Arizona, Houston, Detroit and the Mets.