Mariners right-handed pitcher David Pauley, pitching for AAA Tacoma, was suspended Friday for 50 games without pay by the MLB commissioner’s office after a second positive test for “a drug of abuse” banned by the minor league drug prevention program. Pauley was signed as a free agent July 12 following his July 6 release by Toronto.
Before his suspension, Pauley, 29, pitched 28.2 innings over 11 games for Tacoma, including two starts, and was 1-2 with 3.14 ERA, a 1.50 WHIP with 20 strikeouts and eight walks.
Pauley, signed by the Mariners as a free agent in December 2009, was a Mariner in 2010-11, pitching a total of 145 major-league innings and 15 starts, including a 9-13 mark with a 3.35 ERA and 1.19 WHIP. On July 30, 2011, Pauley was traded to Detroit with fellow pitcher Doug Fister for third baseman Francisco Martinez (minors), pitcher Charlie Furbush and Chance Ruffin (minors) and Casper Wells.
The Tigers released him March 12. He was signed March 23 by the Anaheim Angels, who waived him June 20, when Toronto put in a claim.
Two other minor leaguers were suspended 50 games: Detroit Tigers outfielder Darren Driggers and Chicago White Sox shortstop Carlos Gonzalez after testing positive for steroids. Since Pauley was not cited for a performance-enhancing drug, the presumption is he was cited for an illegal street drug.
Since the Rainiers season is almost over, Pauley will have to serve the bulk of his suspension next season should he be signed by the Mariners or any other club.