Jenrry Mejia gets permanent ban for 3rd positive PED test
— -- NEW YORK -- New York Mets pitcher Jenrry Mejia made baseball history Friday, becoming the first player to be permanently suspended by Major League Baseball for performance-enhancing drug use.
MLB announced the suspension Friday, saying that Mejia tested positive for Boldenone and that the right-hander also is permanently suspended from playing minor league baseball.
It marked the 26-year-old Mejia's third positive PED test in the past calendar year, triggering the expulsion from baseball.
Mejia 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 had been working as a starting pitcher in the Dominican Republic with Licey during winter ball.
Mejia becomes the first major or minor league player ever to receive a permanent suspension under MLB's drug program. Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton was suspended multiple times between 2003 and 2005 for drugs of abuse, but none of his suspensions ever were deemed "permanent."
"We were deeply disappointed to hear that Jenrry has again violated Major League Baseball's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program," the Mets said Friday in a statement. "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 originally was handed an 80-game suspension last April for a positive test for the Stanozolol, an anabolic steroid. After three weeks back with the Mets in July, he was suspended 162 games for testing positive for both Stanozolol and Boldenone. The second positive test actually occurred while Mejia was still serving the first suspension.
The Mets nonetheless decided to tender Mejia a contract in December for the 2016 season. Mets officials reasoned that despite Mejia letting down the team, he was worth bringing back to the organization because he would receive only a prorated portion of his salary -- less than $1 million -- and be eligible for the postseason.
Mejia had 99 games left to serve on his second suspension and had been due to return to the Mets in late July.
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