New York Mets News: Jenrry Mejia Suspended For 162 Games After Second PED Violation

New York Mets right-handed relief pitcher Jenrry Mejia has been suspended for 162 games due to his second violation with performance enhancing drugs, according to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.

Jenrry mejia gets 162 game drug ban. Failed another test.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) July 28, 2015

This news has to come as both a shock and a surprise to Mets’ fans as their former closer only recently returned from a subsequent 80-game suspension for using PED’s. It was announced in mid-April that Mejia would be suspended for using Stanozolol. He had not pitched in a game prior to the suspension as he was preparing to come off the disabled list. As noted by Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the 25-year-old Mejia was suspended for the use of both the aforementioned Stanozolol and an additional substance this time.

Mejia tested positive for Stanozolol and Boldenone according to MLB #Mets — Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) July 28, 2015

Now, just three months later, Mejia seems to not have learned his lesson and will now serve a 162-game suspension, meaning he will not be eligible to pitch until late July of 2016. Considering the negative headlines his name has generated for the Mets, it is plausible to believe that he has thrown his last pitch wearing the orange and blue.

The Mets released a statement in which they expressed their disappointment with the news (via CBSSports).

“We were extremely disappointed when informed of Jenrry’s second 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.”

While the Mets would have relied on Mejia down the stretch, he would have not been eligible to pitch for the team if they make the playoffs. The reason being due to his first suspension. Now, he will not be eligible to pitch in the 2016 playoffs either.

During his brief stint this season, Mejia managed to get into seven games. During that time, he pitched to a 1-0 record without giving up a run and striking out seven batters in 7-and-one-third innings. Last season, Mejia served as both a starter and closer for the Mets. After making just seven starts, Mejia slotted into the bullpen to serve as the closer. He converted 28 saves in 31 opportunities while pitching to a 3.65 ERA through 63 games.

The importance of recently acquired Tyler Clippard now becomes vital. The Mets acquired the former Washington Nationals reliever on Monday and he figures to set up for closer Jeurys Familia. The 30-year-old Clippard has pitched to a 2.79 ERA while converting 17 saves through 38-and-one-third innings this year for Oakland.

Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork notes on Twitter that Mets GM Sandy Alderson did not acquire Clippard in response to Mejia’s suspension. The trade was already completed when the team was notified.

Sandy Alderson received heads up on Monday from MLB about suspension. Trade for Clippard already was done.

— Adam Rubin (@AdamRubinESPN) July 28, 2015

[Image by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images]