MLB said Mejia tested positive for boldenone, which athletes have used to increase muscle mass and once was popular for use in horse racing, and that the right-hander also is permanently suspended from playing minor league baseball.
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Baseball has had a troubled past with doping, and in November 2005 introduced more stringent penalties for failed tests, including the “three strikes and you’re out” rule which sees a third failed test result in a lifetime ban.
Mejia, 26, had been suspended for the first time prior to last season and suspended for a second time in July, shortly after he returned from the first suspension.
In a statement, the Mets said “we are deeply disappointed” that Mejia violated MLB’s drug prevention program. It was while sidelined that Mejia first tested positive for Stanozolol, saying at the time that “I can honestly say I have no idea how a banned substance ended up in my system”.
The Mets welcomed Mejia back after his first suspension, with captain David Wright reaching out to him personally.
Mejia will be able to apply to the commissioner for reinstatement into the league in one year.
July 12, 2015: Mejia rejoins the Mets, who started the season 47-42 without him (two games behind Washington in the NL East).
Mets right-handed pitcher Jeurys Familia will likely take over the closing duties in 2016, as manager Terry Collins figures out the placement following spring physicals.
Elsewhere • Closer Aroldis Chapman and the Yankees agreed to a one-year contract for $11,325,000, avoiding salary arbitration.
Mejia’s suspension will be honored by leagues in Korea, Japan and Mexico, but Mejia could still play for independent leagues, such as the Atlantic League; a league Roger Clemens appeared in years after he stepped away from MLB.
When the Mets’ clubhouse officially opens for business at that time, the same brand of shock and disappointment that rippled forth from Mejia’s previous two suspensions will be present. He didn’t enjoy a full season in the majors until 2014, during which he locked down 28 of his 31 save opportunities.
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Mejia didn’t return to the majors until 2013, and the following season he was moved to the bullpen.
