MLB News: New York Mets Closer Jenrry Mejia Suspended 80 Games After Positive Drug Test
Fourth pitcher in two weeks to test positive for Stanozolol.
New York Mets closer Jenrry Mejia has been suspended for 80 games after testing positive for the use of a steroid, Stanozolol. He is the fourth pitcher to test positive for the performance enhancing drug in the last two weeks, following similar positive tests for the Atlanta Braves’ Arodys Vizcaino, Seattle Mariners’ David Rollins and Minnesota Twins’ Ervin Santana.
Mejia was on the disabled list with a right elbow inflammation that would keep him out for the next few weeks at least. With the suspension, however, he will only be able to play in July. The Mets are already dealing with several injuries, with reliever Josh Edgin needing Tommy John surgery while closer Bobby Parnell is still recovering from one. Reliever Vic Black has been out with shoulder weakness, but could return early.
Mejia is only 25, but has struggled with injuries, having already undergone an elbow injury and also Tommy John surgery. He turned closer last season with good success, making 28 saves in 31 games. He will now lose nearly half of his salary now, $1,134,426 out of $2,595,000, according to ESPN, and will also miss the postseason should the Mets qualify for it, as per rules introduced by the MLB before the start of last season.
"I know the rules are the rules and I will accept my punishment, but I can honestly say I have no idea how a banned substance ended up in my system," Mejia said in a statement on the MLB website made through the MLB Players’ Union.
The Mets were aiming to end their streak of six seasons with a losing record, and making the playoffs, but the start of the season has been devastating to them, with injuries and now the drug ban for a teammate. Mets manager Terry Collins also seemed to disagree with Mejia’s statement that he didn’t know how Stanozolol entered his body.
"I know what goes in mine. I can't answer for everybody. I certainly wasn't there. All I can tell you is, again, we're just extremely disappointed at this particular moment because now we've got to retool. And it's tough to do when you're in midseason," said Mets manager Terry Collins to the Associated Press.
Email karthik17g.b@gmail.com to contact author of this article.
