New York Mets Reliever Jenrry Mejia Suspended for PEDs for Second Time

New York Mets reliever Jenrry Mejia has been suspended for performance-enhancing drugs, again. This suspension comes about 20 days after the pitcher's return from an original PED suspension in April.

In April, Mejia tested positive for Stanozolol and was suspended for 80 games - half the season. He returned to the team on July 7. On Tuesday, it was announced that Mejia tested positive for Stanozolol and Boldenone. This time around, he's suspended for 162 games - a whole year. His suspension ties Alex Rodriguez for the longest PED suspension in league history.

"I can honestly say I have no idea how a banned substance ended up in my system," Mejia said in a statement for the first suspension.

This time around, he's keeping quiet.

"That will stay in the past," Mejia said when he made his return in early July. "I did what I did and now I will come here to move forward and do the best I can on the field."

Mejia was "a little nervous" during his first game back, but he made the save. Since July 7, Mejia played in seven games. The pitcher did not allow a run in any of them. In a bit of good timing, the Mets picked up Tyler Clippard from the Athletics on Tuesday, and he'll fill in for Mejia's absence. Mejia would not have been eligible to participate in the post-season in any case.

"Not surprisingly, there's a tremendous amount of disappointment -- I think to some extent anger, to some extent amazement -- that this could happen so soon after a previous suspension was completed. And some sadness," said Mets general manager Sandy Alderson. "This is having a tremendously adverse effect on a very promising major league career, and that's a shame. But the rules are the rules. We support the rules. This is the consequence of making bad choices."