Major League Baseball said Friday New York Mets pitcher Yusaku Iriki has been suspended for 50 games, effective immediately, for testing positive for a performance enhancing substance.
MLB did not specify the substance the 33-year-old right-handed hurler used.
In a brief statement, MLB said on its Web site, "The Office of the Commissioner of Baseball today announced that New York Mets pitcher Yusaku Iriki has been suspended for 50 games, effective today, for testing positive for a performance enhancing substance in violation of Major League Baseball's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program."
Iriki, who signed a one-year major league contract in January, struggled to a 5.93 ERA in six preseason outings, issuing 13 walks in 13 2/3 inning.
At the end of last month, he was assigned to Triple-A Norfolk.
In his nine-year career in Japan, Iriki was 35-35 with three saves and a 3.73 ERA. He posted a 6-7 record with a 3.35 ERA in 28 games for the Nippon Ham Fighters last year.