David Pauley’s goal of a second stint with the Seattle Mariners became unlikely Friday after a report from the commissioner’s office.
Pauley was suspended 50 games without pay for his second drug-abuse violation, according to an MLB press release.
The substance Pauley used was not released, but it has been called a “recreational drug” and does not involve performance-enhancing drugs.
“It’s obviously disappointing news for us,” Rainiers manager Daren Brown said. “It’s disappointing to hear, but those guys are educated on the program and they know the things they can and can’t do.”
Pauley appeared in 11 games with the Tacoma Rainiers this season. He was dominant out of the bullpen for the Mariners in 2011, with a 2.15 earned-run average in 54 innings. He was traded to Detroit midseason in the Doug Fister deal that brought Casper Wells, Charlie Furbush and Chance Ruffin to Seattle.
Pauley struggled in Detroit. His ERA soared to 5.95 in 14 appearances before the Tigers released him during spring training. Pauley then pitched for the Los Angeles Angels and Toronto Blue Jays before the Mariners re-signed him as a minor league free agent in July.
Pauley had a 3.15 ERA in 282/3 innings with the Rainiers before the suspension.
Pauley’s contract is over at season’s end, but he still must serve the remainder of his 50-game suspension wherever he signs.
Brown said the team plans to address Pauley’s future with the organization later.
“That’s something we will address down the line,” Brown said. “We aren’t going to worry about it right now, but we are obviously disappointed in it.”
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