Mets reliever Mejia receives lifetime ban
New York Mets reliever Jenrry Mejia became the first player to receive a lifetime ban under Major League Baseball’s drug agreement after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance for the third time.
The commissioner’s office said Friday that Mejia tested positive for the anabolic steroid Boldenone, which athletes have used to increase muscle mass and once was popular for use in horse racing.
The 26-year-old right-hander was the Mets’ closer in 2014, then was suspended for 80 games last April 11 following a positive test for Stanozolol, a drug popular among bodybuilders. At the time, he said, “I can honestly say I have no idea how a banned substance ended up in my system.”
Mejia returned July 12, appeared in seven games for New York, then was banned for 162 games on July 28 after a positive test for Stanozolol and Boldenone.
The Mets said they “were deeply disappointed.” The Major League Baseball Players Association declined to comment, and a spokesman for Mejia’s agents said the pitcher had no comment.
Mejia may apply one year from now to baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred for reinstatement, and Manfred at his discretion has the power to let Mejia back in baseball — but no earlier than for the 2018 season.
In the fold: Closer Aroldis Chapman and the New York Yankees agreed to a one-year contract worth $11,325,000, avoiding salary arbitration.
Acquired from Cincinnati in December, Chapman had asked for $13.1 million and had been offered $9 million when the sides exchanged figures last month.
The Kansas City Royals and third baseman Mike Moustakas agreed to a $14.3 million, two-year contract that not only avoids arbitration this year but also buys out his final year.
Moustakas hit .284 last year with 22 homers and 82 RBI.