New York Mets pitcher Jenrry Mejia has been permanently suspended by Major League Baseball for his third performance-enhancing substance violation, MLB announced Friday.
Mejia tested positive for Boldenone, an anabolic steroid, according to the announcement. The pitcher had previously been suspended 80 games last April for stanozolol use, and was then suspended 162 games last July for using stanozolol and Boldenone.
Mejia is the first player to suspended in MLB history to be suspended permanently for steroid use. A lifetime ban for three positive steroid tests was instituted by MLB in 2013.
The Mets named Mejia their closer in 2014, but he lost the job after his first suspension. Mejia pitched for the Mets from 2010–2015, spending part the period in the minors and recovering from Tommy John surgery.
Mejia can apply for reinstatement in one year, but he must sit out a minimum of two years even if his reinstatement is granted.
More Must-Reads From TIME
- The 100 Most Influential People of 2024
- The Revolution of Yulia Navalnaya
- 6 Compliments That Land Every Time
- What's the Deal With the Bitcoin Halving?
- If You're Dating Right Now , You're Brave: Column
- The AI That Could Heal a Divided Internet
- Fallout Is a Brilliant Model for the Future of Video Game Adaptations
- Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time
Contact us at letters@time.com