|
 Mejia, 26, tested positive for anabolic steroid Boldenone. He was in
the midst of a 162-game suspension for both Boldenone and
Stanozolol, for which he tested positive while serving his original
80-game ban last summer.
The lifetime suspension is the longest drug-related ban MLB has
issued.
Mejia, who failed three tests in less than a year, may apply to MLB
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.
"We were deeply disappointed to hear that Jenrry has again violated
Major League Baseball's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment
Program," the Mets said in a statement on Friday.
"We fully support MLB's policy toward eliminating performance
enhancing substances from the sport. As per the Joint Drug Program,
we will have no further comment on this suspension."
Mejia's Mets career ends with a 3.68 ERA in 113 appearances.
MLB suspensions are honored by affiliated leagues in other
countries, such as in Japan, South Korea and Mexico.
A former top prospect, the Dominican right-hander was the Mets'
closer as recently as the 2015 Opening Day, before an elbow injury
landed him on the disabled list and thrust Jeurys Familia into that
role.
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Mejia's first suspension occurred during that stint on the disabled
list.
By the time Mejia returned from the 80-game suspension last July, he
had been replaced as closer by Familia. That same month he again
tested positive for Stanozolol and received a 162-game suspension.
Mejia, who had 99 games left to serve on his second suspension,
claimed the closer's role in 2014 when he posted a 6-6 record with
28 saves and 98 strikeouts in 93 2/3 innings.
(Reporting by Larry Fine in New York; Editing by Mark
Lamport-Stokes)
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