Suspended Philadelphia Phillies reliever J.C. Romero has filed suit against a nutritional supplement manufacturer alleging an unlisted ingredient in one of its products caused him to test positive for a substance banned by Major League Baseball.

In the suit filed yesterday in Superior Court in Camden County, N.J., Romero accused Ergopharm and Proviant Technologies as being negligent in manufacturing 6-OXO and 6-OXO Extreme, the nutritional supplements he took, and for misrepresenting their ingredients.

Also named in the suit are Vitamin Shoppe and General Nutrition Centers, stores where Romero said he purchased the over-the-counter supplements in July. He said employees at both stores recommended the supplements and assured him that using them would not lead to a failed drug test.

Romero was suspended by Major League Baseball for the first 50 games of this season. He is eligible to return June 2, barring any Phillies games being postponed.

In his suit, Romero is seeking compensatory damages, including being repaid the $1.246 million of his $4 million salary he lost as a result of the suspension. Romero is also seeking undisclosed punitive damages.

ELSEWHERE

Rockies: Colorado outfielder Brad Hawpe was taken to a hospital with a possible concussion after he was hit in the neck by San Diego catcher Nick Hundley's throw to second in the sixth inning last night.

Astros: Houston closer Jose Valverde expects to be out for a few more days and could be headed for the disabled list because of a calf injury, which he suffered last week.

Royals: All-Star closer Joakim Soria will be out of Kansas City's lineup at least three days with a sore right shoulder.