Jim Mone/Associated Press

MLB.com's Brian McTaggart reported Saturday that Major League Baseball suspended Houston Astros pitcher David Paulino for 80 games without pay after he tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance.

Jon Morosi of MLB Network confirmed the report and noted Paulino is Houston's No. 3 prospect.

The 23-year-old Paulino started six games for the Astros this season and was 2-0 with a 6.52 ERA, 1.48 WHIP and 34 strikeouts in 29 innings.

Prior to getting called up this season, Paulino struggled at Triple-A Fresno, with a 0-1 record, 4.50 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 13 strikeouts in 14 innings across three starts.

The hard-throwing righty is a native of the Dominican Republic and was signed as an amateur free agent by the Detroit Tigers in 2010.

After undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2013, Paulino was traded to the Astros and blossomed while progressing through the organization.

With Paulino out of the picture, Houston will lean on Lance McCullers Jr., Mike Fiers, Brad Peacock and Francis Martes while Dallas Keuchel, Collin McHugh and Charlie Morton continue to work their way back from injuries.