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Jenrry Mejia receives lifetime ban for failing third PED test

(AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
(AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

New York Mets pitcher Jenrry Mejia has received a lifetime ban from Major League Baseball after testing positive for PEDs for the third time, according to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. MLB has confirmed the news.

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The 26-year-old Mejia came up through the Mets organization after being signed as an international free-agent in 2007. After glimpses of success in short stints, Mejia became a key member of the major-league club in 2014.

That season, Mejia posted a 3.65 ERA over 93 2/3 innings. He also assumed the closer role at the end of the season.

Mejia entered 2015 with the same role, but injured his elbow while warming up on opening day and was placed on the 15-day disabled list. A few days after that, MLB announced Mejia had tested positive for stanozolol, and would receive an 80 game suspension.

By the time Mejia had returned in July, he had been replaced as the team's closer by Jeurys Familia. His return didn't last long. On July 28, Mejia again tested positive for stanozolol, this time receiving a 162 game suspension. He was currently in the process of serving this suspension.

According to MLB, Mejia's tested positive for Boldenone during his third failed test. Under MLB rules, Mejia can apply for reinstatement, but would have to serve a two-year suspension at minimum.

With the failed test, Mejia joins Pete Rose as the only living players to be banned by MLB. Mejia is the first player to receive a lifetime ban for PED use.

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Chris Cwik is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at christophercwik@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Chris_Cwik