Major League Baseball (MLB) on Friday issued a lifetime ban to former New York Mets closer Jenrry Mejia after he tested positive a third time for a performance-enhancing substance.
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Mejia is the first MLB player to receive a permanent suspension under the league’s drug-testing program. He returned July 12, appeared in seven games for NY, then was banned for 162 games on July 28 after a positive test for Stanozolol and Boldenone.
The Mets said Friday they “were deeply disappointed”. “As per the Joint Drug Program, we will have no further comment on this suspension”.
Mejia, 26, may apply to commissioner Rob Manfred for reinstatement in one year, but would have to sit out a minimum of two years before being able to pitch again in the majors. He rejoined the Mets in July, but within days of returning he was handed a 162-game ban for use of stanozolol and Boldenone, with the failed test having been undertaken while he was banned.
A Dominican signed by the Mets in 2007, Mejia reached the major leagues in 2010 and became their closer in 2014, when he had 28 saves in 31 chances.
Mejia went 9-14 with a 3.68 ERA and 1.48 WHIP in 113 career outings, 18 starts, 183 1/3 innings.
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His second positive test a year ago occurred as he was serving his first suspension, according to ESPN. NY lost the World Series to Kansas City in five games.
