The Mets’ bullpen could get some unexpected help in 2019 from a former closer.
Major League Baseball conditionally reinstated Mets reliever Jenrry Mejia, the league announced Friday. The righty was permanently suspended in February 2016 for violating MLB’s drug policy.
“I’ve had a long, difficult time away from the game to contemplate the mistakes I’ve made both with regard to my positive drug tests and also the false allegations I made about Major League Baseball’s investigation into my testing history,” Mejia said in a statement. “Baseball is my profession, my passion and my life, and for those mistakes I am truly sorry. … I have much work ahead, but look forward to earning back the trust and respect of the New York Mets, the fans and especially my teammates.”
Mejia will be allowed to resume participation in non-public workouts at the Mets’ facilities after the upcoming All-Star break and will be eligible for a rehabilitation assignment with a Mets’ minor league team in mid-August. If he complies with his agreement with MLB, Mejia will be taken off the Restricted List and be eligible to participate in 2019 spring training.
“Upon receiving Mr. Mejia’s application for reinstatement last year, I invited him to New York to meet with me,” commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. “During our meeting, Mr. Mejia expressed regret for poor choices he made in the past and assured me that, if reinstated, he would adhere to the terms of the Program going forward.”
The 28-year-old Mejia signed a one-year, $1.7-million deal with the Mets prior to this season, but will not be paid because he has not accrued enough service time. He was banned in 2016 after three violations of MLB’s joint drug prevention and treatment program. Mejia went 9-14 with a 3.68 ERA and 28 saves in 183 1/3 innings with the Mets over five seasons from 2010-2015. The Mets left the door open for his return to the club in 2019.
“Jenrry Mejia has abided by the terms set forth by Commissioner Manfred and we appreciate his regret and renewed commitment to comply moving forward,” the Mets said in a statement. “We will evaluate his progress on the field and assess the situation and our options in the coming months.”