Reliever Guillermo Mota was suspended for 50 games Wednesday after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance, becoming the third player penalized this year for violating Major League Baseball’s toughened drug policy.
The commissioner’s office did not say why Mota was suspended. His failed drug test was confirmed by a baseball official.
The 33-year-old pitcher was 4-3 with a 4.53 ERA this season with the Indians and Mets.
Mota has filed for free agency. His suspension will start at the beginning of next season.
– Don Mattingly, a six-time Yankees All-Star and nine-time Gold Glover at first base, is moving up from hitting coach to bench coach next season, a promotion that makes him the early favorite to one day succeed Joe Torre as manager.
– Aaron Rowand and the Phillies declined their respective options for the 2007 season, making the former White Sox outfielder eligible for salary arbitration.
