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.
This article originally appeared on SI.com
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