MLB announced that Mets closer Jenrry Mejia has been suspended 80 games without pay for testing positive for Stanozolol – an anabolic steroid.
Mejia, 25, says he has no idea how the substance ended up in his body.
“I know the rules and I will accept my punishment, but I honestly have no idea how a banned substance ended up in my system. I’m sorry to the Mets organization, my teammates and the fans, as well as my family.”
The New York Mets issued a statement that read:
“We were disappointed when informed of Jenrry’s suspension for violating 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 is currently on the 15 day disabled list with inflammation in his throwing elbow. He will now miss at least half the season if not more.
Manager Terry Collins understandably angry and didn’t hide his disappointment.
“We’re very disappointed. I mean, extremely disappointed,” Collins said. “We came into this whole thing in spring training with huge expectations and the back end of our bullpen being very, very strong. So we’re all shocked and disappointed.”
“I’m going to be honest: I love this kid. We challenged this guy last year. He stepped up and did a great job for us. Certainly this is a big disappointment. I understand everything about it. I really do. But, you know what? There are 24 other guys in that locker room who need him, too.”
Mejia will lose $1,134,426 of his $2,595,000 salary and will also will be ineligible for the postseason should the Mets qualify.
Jeurys Familia is currently serving as the team’s closer. And Vic Black and Bobby Parnell are also expected to be activated from the disabled list in the next week or two.
For those of you considering the possibility of the Mets considering a run at free agent closer Rafael Soriano to fill the void, forget it.
The Mets do not intend to pursue any external options for a replacement, according to what team sources told Andy Martino of the Daily News.
The Mets are happy and very satisfied with the depth they have in the bullpen and will stick with Familia, Carlos Torres, Erik Goeddel, Rafael Montero, and Buddy Carlyle as right-handed options despite their lack of closing experience. At least until Parnell and Black return.
But Make no mistake, this is a huge blow for a bullpen that was heavily relying on Mejia this season. I’m not buying Mejia’s excuse and I think this was very selfish of him. He’s let the team down.
