Mets' Mejia receives lifetime ban for 3rd drug violation

New York Mets right-hander Jenrry Mejia has been permanently suspended by Major League Baseball following a third positive test for performance-enhancing drugs, the league announced Friday.

Mejia, who tested positive for Boldenone - an anabolic steroid - is the first major leaguer to ever receive a permanent suspension under the league's drug program. However, he can apply for reinstatement in one year, but would have to sit out a minimum of two seasons before being eligible to pitch in the majors again.

"It is not like they say," Mejia told Dominican journalist Hector Gomez in Spanish. "I am sure that I did not use anything."

The Mets issued the following statement regarding the ban:

We were deeply disappointed to hear that Jenrry has again violated Major League Baseball's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. 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 was already serving a 162-game suspension following a second positive test for a banned substance, and wasn't eligible to return until late July. Still, the Mets tendered the reliever a contract with the hopes of him returning to solidify the bullpen.

The 26-year-old hurler was suspended for 80 games at the start of last season after his first failed test. He then played in a handful of games last July before violating the drug policy again, resulting in the 162-game ban.

Mejia signed with New York as an amateur free agent in 2007, and assembled a 9-14 record with a 3.68 ERA and 1.48 WHIP over parts of five seasons with the Mets. He served as the team's closer in 2014, recording 28 saves in 31 chances.

Pete Rose, who gambled on professional games, is the only other living person banned from MLB for life.