Ex-Cub Perez suspended for 80 games

DETROIT -- Detroit Tigers' infielder Neifi Perez was suspended for 80 games Friday after testing positive for a third time for a banned stimulant, a penalty that finishes his season.

The former Cubs infielder was suspended for 25 games on July 6 when he tested positive for a second time. Under baseball's labor contract, a player who tests positive for the first time is sent for counseling.

Perez has been the only player suspended by baseball for stimulants since they were banned before the 2006 season. His first suspension had been set to end after Friday night's game against the White Sox.

Under baseball's labor contract, a player cannot be disciplined multiple times for a positive test stemming from the same use of a banned substance, meaning Perez had to have taken a prohibited stimulant more than once.

Another positive test would lead to a suspension to be determined at the discretion of commissioner Bud Selig, with Perez having the right to have an arbitrator review the penalty. Because of his initial positive test, Perez is subject to at least six additional tests over the next year.

The 34-year-old Perez is hitting .172 with 1 homer and 6 RBI in 64 at-bats for the defending AL champions.