New York Mets pitcher Jenrry Mejia on Friday became the first player to be permanently suspended by MLB for violating the league’s performance-enhancing substance policy.
MLB instituted a three strikes and you’re out policy in 2013, as three positive tests by a player would lead to a permanent suspension by baseball. Mejia had two prior violations of the league’s banned substance violation before MLB announced Friday that Mejia had tested positive with Boldenone.
Boldenone is an anabolic steroid that has not been approved for human medical use.
Mejia previously was suspended for 80 games on Apirl 11, 2015 for his first positive test. While serving his 80-game suspension, he was suspended for 162 games on July 28 for failing another test.
Despite two failed tests, the Mets resigned Mejia to a two-year contract in January. Mejia was slated to come off the suspension in July.
Mejia can ask for reinstatement from MLB commissioner Rob Manfred after one year. If Mejia is granted reinstatement, he must serve at least a two-year suspension for the violation.
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.
Justin Boggs is a writer for the E.W. Scripps National Desk.Follow him on Twitter @jjboggs.
