Grimsley suspended

NEW YORK – Embattled pitcher Jason Grimsley was suspended 50 games by Major League Baseball on Monday, less than a week after federal agents raided his home during an investigation into performance-enhancing drugs.

Grimsley was suspended for violating baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program, based on his statements to authorities regarding human growth hormone.

The Arizona Diamondbacks released Grimsley last Wednesday, and his agent said he didn’t expect Grimsley to play again.

If he returns, the penalty would take effect when he’s placed on a 40-man roster.

Last Tuesday, 13 agents searched his Arizona home following his admission he had used HGH, steroids and amphetamines.

According to court documents, authorities tracked a package containing two “kits” of HGH – about a season’s worth – that was delivered at Grimsley’s house on April 19. He failed a baseball drug test in 2003, documents showed.

Acting on those documents, MLB suspended him for his alleged possession, admitted use and intended use of HGH. Baseball toughened its drug program and penalties this season, but there is no test for HGH.

The 38-year-old Grimsley was 1-2 with a 4.88 ERA in 19 games as a long reliever this season, his first with Arizona.

Grimsley and the Diamondbacks are currently in a dispute over payment of the remainder of his $825,000 salary.

Grimsley asked for his release last week and Arizona granted it; at the time, his agent, Joe Bick, said there had no negotiation about money and added, “Replayers get paid.”