Grimsley gets 50-game suspension

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

Commissioner Bud Selig's office suspended Grimsley for violating baseball's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program, based on his statements to authorities regarding human growth hormone.

``I think he earned it," Arizona Diamondbacks managing general partner Ken Kendrick said. ``I think it sends a message and an appropriate message."

The Diamondbacks released the reliever last Wednesday -- they don't intend to pay him, either -- and his agent said he did not expect Grimsley to play again. If Grimsley returns, the penalty would begin when he's placed on a 40-man roster.

Last Tuesday, 13 agents searched Grimsley's 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 April 19.

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.