In keeping with the league's policy, the nature of Mota's violation was not revealed when his punishment was announced by the MLB commissioner's office.

"I have no-one to blame but myself," Mota said in a statement. "I take full responsibility for my actions and accept MLB's suspension.

"I used extremely poor judgment and deserve to be held accountable. To my teammates and the entire Mets organization, I am sorry. I truly regret what I did and hope that you can forgive me. To baseball fans everywhere, I understand that you are disappointed in me, and I don't blame you."

Mota, who came to New York in August in a trade with the Cleveland Indians, was an effective set-up man for the Mets, posting a 3-0 record with a 1.00 ERA in 18 innings pitched over 18 games.

Overall, the 33-year-old Mota was 4-3 with a 4.52 ERA during the season.

The Dominican Republic right-hander, who filed for free agency on Monday, will begin to serve the suspension at the start of next season if he has signed with a new club.

The drug policy calls for first-time offenders to be suspended for 50 games, second-time offenders to be banned for 100 games and third-time offenders to be banished from baseball, although there can be a hearing for possible reinstatement.

Amphetamine use carries lesser penalties.