Philadelphia, PA (Betting Express) - Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher J.C. Romero has reportedly tested positive for a banned substance and will be suspended 50 games.

Romero, who went 4-4 with a 2.75 ERA and one save in 81 regular season games last season, will reportedly be suspended because an arbitrator ruled Romero was guilty of negligence. He'll lose $1.25 million in salary in the 50-game suspension.

According to a report from the Philadelphia Inquirer, the 33-year-old Romero purchased an over-the-counter supplement at a GNC store in July and checked it with his nutritionist. His nutritionist said he saw nothing on the product's label that is included on MLB's banned substance list and gave Romero the green light to begin taking it.

Then on August 26, Romero gave a urine sample for a routine drug test and on September 19 he submitted another sample. Four days later Romero was told his August 26 sample tested positive for a banned substance.

According to the report, MLB offered Romero a deal, to be suspended immediately for 25 games or face a longer suspension in 2009 after moving through the arbitration process. Romero declined the deal and told the Inquirer that he "knew in my heart I wasn't guilty."

Despite the reported positive test, Romero went on to win two games in the World Series, including the clinching Game 5 against the Tampa Bay Rays.

In fact, Romero reportedly had his two-day arbitration hearing in Tampa, before the first two games of the World Series. He went to the hearings in the morning before reporting to Tropicana Field.