Major League Baseball (MLB) on Friday issued a lifetime ban to former New York Mets' closer Jenrry Mejia after he tested positive a third time for a performance-enhancing substance. Mejia, 26, tested positive for anabolic steroid Boldenone. He was in the midst of a 162-game suspension for both Boldenone and Stanozolol, for which he tested positive while serving his original 80-game ban last summer. The lifetime suspension is the longest drug-related ban MLB has issued. Mejia, who failed three tests in less than a year, may apply to MLB commissioner Rob Manfred for reinstatement in one year, but would have to sit out a minimum of two years before being able to pitch again in the majors. "We were deeply disappointed to hear that Jenrry has again violated Major League Baseball's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program," the Mets said in a statement Friday. "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's Mets career ends with a 3.68 ERA in 113 appearances. MLB suspensions are honored by affiliated leagues in other countries, such as in Japan, South Korea and Mexico. — Reuters
