Philadelphia Phillies rookie relief pitcher Daniel Stumpf was banned for 80 games on Thursday after testing positive for an anabolic steroid.

Major League Baseball said the left-hander's suspension would begin immediately, and he will forfeit $221,858 in salary.

The Phillies said in a statement they were "disappointed to hear today's news of Daniel's violation."

Stumpf has made three appearances for the Phillies so far this season, walking two and giving up a grand slam in the team's third game of the campaign in Cincinnati -- his major league debut.

The 25-year-old Texan is the fifth Phillies player to be suspended for banned substances while on the active 25-man roster.
Source: AFP