Free Agent Reliever Troy Patton Suspended 80 Games

Free agent left-hander Troy Patton, who pitched for two teams in 2014, was suspended Wednesday for 80 games for a positive amphetamine test.

Left-hander Troy Patton, who pitched for the Baltimore Orioles and San Diego Padres in 2014, has been suspended for 80 games for a third violation of Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.

MLB announced the suspension Wednesday.

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Patton tested positive for an amphetamine. He was also suspended for 25 games at the start of last season for a positive amphetamine test.

The joint drug program calls for no suspension for a first positive test for amphetamines, 25 games for a second and 80 for a third.

Discipline for a fourth positive test for stimulants is in the hands of the commissioner and could be up to a lifetime ban.

Patton pitched nine games with the Orioles and eight with the Padres, posting a 5.14 ERA and 1.500 WHIP in 17 appearances and 14 innings.

He was traded to San Diego in the deal that sent catcher Nick Hundley to Baltimore on May 24.

Now a free agent, his suspension would start with the first game he is eligible to play. Given it is basically half of the season, that could make it difficult for the 29-year-old left-hander, who is also coming off a shoulder injury, to find suitors in free agency.

His best season was with the O’s in 2012, when he had a 2.43 ERA and 1.024 WHIP in 54 appearances and 55.2 innings.

He was a ninth-round draft pick of the Houston Astros out of Tomball (Texas) High School in 2004 and was one of five players traded to the Orioles in December 2007 in exchange for former MVP Miguel Tejada.

He became a free agent on Oct. 1, when he was designated for assignment by the Padres.

Free agent left-hander Troy Patton, who pitched for two teams in 2014, was suspended Wednesday for 80 games for a positive amphetamine test.

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