Jenrry Mejia suspended 80 games after testing positive for Stanozolol

New York Mets pitcher Jenrry Mejia will be suspended 80 games after testing positive for the steroid Stanozolol, Major League Baseball announced on Saturday. That’s the same steroid Minnesota Twins pitcher Ervin Santana was suspended for on April 3. He was also handed an 80-game suspension. 

Both the Mets and Mejia released statements on Saturday after the announcement was made official. 

“We were disappointed when informed of Jenrry’s suspension for violating Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program,” says the Mets 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.”

“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,” says Mejia. “I’m sorry to the Mets organization, my teammates and the fans, as well as my family.”

Mejia, 25, was set to resume his role on Mets closer this season, but is currently on the disabled list after experiencing elbow tightness while warming up on opening day. He was expected to return when eligible on April 22, but will instead begin his suspension. 

Mejia, who had Tommy John surgery on his elbow in 2011, went 6-6 with 28 saves last season. Jeurys Familia will continue filling in as Mets closer, perhaps until Mejia returns in July. 

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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Townie813