Reds pitcher Volquez receives 50-game ban

NEW YORK - Former All-Star pitcher Edinson Volquez of the Cincinnati Reds became the first Major League Baseball player in nearly a year to receive a 50-game suspension for violating the league's drug policy.

The league said in a statement that Volquez had tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance in violation of MLB's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. His suspension begins on April 21.

The 26-year-old Dominican, the ace in the Reds' starting rotation, made nine starts last season for a 4-2 record, but has not pitched since June 1. Volquez posted a 17-6 record in 2008 and earned a selection to the All-Star game.