Mets' Peterson gets 80-game suspension

Mets right-handed reliever Tim Peterson received an 80-game suspension Tuesday after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance.

Peterson was banned without pay by the Office of the Commissioner of Baseball after testing positive for Trenbolone, a metabolite in violation of the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. The Washington native, currently on Class A Advanced St. Lucie's roster, will face suspension effective at the start of the Florida State League season.

The 23-year-old split 2014 between Class A Savannah, St. Lucie and Double-A Binghamton. He compiled a 4.28 ERA primarily as a reliever in that time and made the South Atlantic League All-Star team. Peterson was a 20th-round pick in the 2012 Draft out of Kentucky. Over 121 2/3 professional innings, Peterson has a 4.22 ERA with 143 strikeouts and 32 walks.

Players are typically issued a warning following a first positive test for a drug of abuse and a suspension for a second offense. Substances considered drugs of abuse by Major League Baseball include cocaine, marijuana, heroin, LSD, ecstasy and other opiates. Minor Leaguers who test positive for a performance-enhancing substance are subject to an immediate 50-game suspension.

The Office of the Commissioner has suspended 32 players this year for violations of the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.