Just Mets

The Mets received some surprising and disappointing news about RHP Jenrry Mejia on Saturday afternoon.

Major League Baseball announced Mejia has been suspended for 80 games for using stanozolol, a performance enhancing drug.

“We were disappointed when informed of Jenrry’s suspension for violating Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program,” the team announced in a statement. “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 issued a statement regarding the positive test. 

“I know the rules are the rules and I will accept my punishment, but I can honestly say I have no idea how a banned substance ended up in my system. I have been through a lot in my young career and missed time due to injury. I have worked way too hard to come back and get to where I am, so I would never knowingly put anything in my body that I thought could hold me out further,” Mejia said in a statement. “I’m sorry to the Mets organization, my teammates and the fans, as well as my family. In life, I know God puts certain obstacles in your path and this is something else I know I will overcome.”

This is extremely disappointing.

This puts Mejia out until the All-Star break, if not later. That means, in all probability, Jeurys Familia will inherit the closer role indefinitely. And, if the Mets make the playoffs, he is now no longer eligible to participate, per Major League Baseball’s stricter policy implemented before the 2015 season, creating an even bigger blow for the club this season.

From a roster perspective, it certainly makes it easier to maneuver once Bobby Parnell or Vic Black is eligible to return. But the loss of Mejia puts a dent in the depth of the bullpen long-term, and the Mets unquestionably lose a quality power arm and an experienced late game weapon for much of the season.

Mejia was finally establishing himself in this league as a growing, top-shelf reliever. He was developing a presence and a brand after years of dealing with an unstable role, numerous injuries, and a simple lack of baseball identity. Then, he hit the bump in the road with his elbow, and now this self-inflicted wound.

It’s just a shame this had to happen…

Mejia was placed on the 15-day disabled list earlier this week after injuring his right elbow.