Mets RHP Jenrry Mejia suspended 80 games for positive Stanozolol test
New York Mets closer Jenrry Mejia was suspended 80 games without pay after testing positive for Stanozolol, Major League Baseball announced Saturday.
Stanozolol is an anabolic steroid on MLB's list of prohibited substances. An 80-game suspension is the penalty for a first-time positive test under the league's drug policy.
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In a statement, Mejia said he had "no idea how a banned substance ended up in my system." His agents later clarified to MLB.com's Anthony DiComo that Mejia will accept the suspension.
Mejia, 25, was placed on the Mets' 15-day disabled list on Tuesday because of inflammation in the back of his right (throwing) elbow, retroactive to April 5. An X-ray and MRI scans showed no structural damage.
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Mejia was entering his first full season as the Mets' closer after taking over the role last May. He converted 28 of 31 save opportunities, and also started seven games earlier in the season.
Over four seasons in the majors, Mejia is 8–14 with a 3.84 ERA, 155 strikeouts and 74 walks.
- Mike Fiammetta
