What do Pete Rose and Mets pitcher Jenrry Mejia have in common? They are forever banned from the big leagues.
For failing his third performance-enhancing drug test in as many years, Mejia was suspended for life by Major League Baseball, it was announced Friday.
According to MLB, Mejia tested positive for Boldenone, a steroid typically used in veterinary medicine but is known to be used by athletes and bodybuilders to develop muscle. He was suspended 80 games in 2014 after testing positive for taking another steroid, Stanozolol. Last year, MLB suspended him a second time, for 160 games, after finding both steroids in a drug test that Mejia submitted.
“We were deeply disappointed to hear that Jenrry has again violated Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program,” according to a statement the Mets issued 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 joined the Mets in 2010, splitting time as both a starting pitcher and reliever. He was hampered by one injury after another throughout his big league career; he lost the entire 2011 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery.
After achieving some early success as a starting pitcher in 2014, Mejia was moved to the bullpen halfway through the season, becoming the team’s closer. He wound up with 28 saves and 98 strikeouts in 93.2 innings pitched.
Mejia was set to return as the Mets closer at the start of the 2015 campaign, but was sidelined early with an arm injury before failing his second drug test. He was replaced as closer by Jeurys Familia, who helped lead the Mets to their first World Series appearance since 2000.
In spite of his testing troubles, Mejia was part of the Mets plans for the 2016 season; they agreed to a $2.47 million contract for the season. With Mejia now gone, the Mets now need to find another reliever to boost their bullpen. Pitchers and catchers report to spring training in Port St. Lucie, Florida, next week.
