Tom King, a righthanded reliever who was recently released by the Giants, has been suspended 50 games for testing positive for a performance enhancing substance.

King was actually quite effective for low Class A Augusta going 0-0, 2.70 with one save in 13 innings. He had not pitched since May 31 however and was released by the Giants in late June.

King was originally signed professionally by the Golden Baseball League’s Mesa Miners. He had signed with Miami coming out of high school but left shortly after arriving for what was described as a family matter. He was spotted by a scout who recommended him to the GBL in 2005. He pitched effectively as a 21-year-old with Mesa during the second half of that season, which caused the Giants to sign him after the season.

King went 3-4, 3.67 for high Class A San Jose in 2006 before being sent down to low Class A Augusta this season. If he signs with another organization he will have to immediately begin serving the 50 game suspension.