Mets’ Mejia Hit With Permanent Ban

Jenrry Mejia in 2014 was the Mets’ closer, posting 28 saves. Now, he’s been banned from the game.

Mejia, who was hit with a 162-game suspension in July, got his third strike Friday when he was permanently suspended following a third positive test for performance-enhancing drug use.

Mejia is the first major or minor league player to receive a permanent suspension under MLB’s drug-testing program.

In April 2015, Mejia tested positive for Stanozolol. In July, he tested for that drug again, and also Boldenone. This time, it was Boldenone again.

In a statement, the Mets said, “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.”

Since 2014, Mejia has pitched a total of 13 1/3 innings, 7 1/3 with the Mets in July before getting suspended again.

Mejia can apply for reinstatement following a full year away from the game, but must sit out a minimum of two seasons and there is no guarantee MLB would re-instate the righthander, who turned 26 in October.