Grimsley Suspended 50 Games

Six days after federal agents raided his home as part of a drug investigation, former Arizona pitcher Jason Grimsley was suspended by Major League Baseball for 50 games, the penalty for a first-time offense under the joint drug agreement.

Grimsley, who during the federal investigation admitted to using steroids, amphetamines and human growth hormone during his career, has effectively retired, his agent reiterated Monday.

Grimsley apparently did not test positive for performance-enhancing drugs after baseball began the disciplinary phase of its program in 2004. He also has not been convicted of or charged with use, possession or intent to distribute the drugs he told investigators he’d received and ingested since 2000.

The commissioner’s office, however, handed down the suspension based on Grimsley’s confession to federal agents April 19 and contained in an affidavit filed last week in U.S. District Court of Arizona.

The Players’ Assn. has the right to file a grievance, which would be heard before an independent arbitrator. The union intends to confer with Grimsley before choosing its course, spokesman Greg Bouris said.

Baseball is the first U.S. professional sports league to sanction a player who has not failed a drug test. U.S. sprinters Tim Montgomery and Chryste Gaines were suspended for two years based on evidence gathered in the BALCO case, a decision upheld by the Swiss-based Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Grimsley, who asked for and received his release Wednesday, would serve the suspension if he returned to a 40-man roster. The union will appeal the Diamondbacks’ refusal to pay Grimsley the remainder of his $825,000 salary, as is required to released players.

“It is a blatant violation of the basic agreement,” Bouris said, “and we intend to grieve that shortly.”

Of the suspension, Diamondbacks managing general partner Ken Kendrick told the Associated Press, “I think he earned it. ... He violated the agreement. Obviously, MLB feels that he did. That’s [Commissioner Bud Selig’s] decision and I think it’s the right decision and I applaud him for it.”

Grimsley’s agent, Joe Bick, said Grimsley has not and probably would not file retirement paperwork with the league.

“We’re aware of what has transpired,” Bick said of the suspension, “and all parties involved will proceed accordingly.”

-- Tim Brown

The Toronto Blue Jays made several roster moves, including releasing infielder Edgardo Alfonzo and recalling infielder Russ Adams from triple-A Syracuse.

Alfonzo hit .162 in eight games with Toronto. He was released by the Angels last month.

The Blue Jays also recalled infielder John McDonald from Syracuse and sent infielder Luis Figueroa to Syracuse.

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The Colorado Rockies activated infielder Luis Gonzalez from the 15-day disabled list and optioned him to triple-A Colorado Springs.... The New York Mets activated pitcher John Maine from the 15-day disabled list and optioned him to triple-A Norfolk.... The Baltimore Orioles activated right fielder Jay Gibbons from the 15-day disabled list and optioned outfielder Ed Rogers to triple-A Ottawa.... David Pauley, who was 0-2 with a 7.88 earned-run average with the Boston Red Sox, has been optioned to triple-A Pawtucket.