Mejia reinstated from lifetime ban

NEW YORK: New York Mets pitcher Jenrry Mejia, the first player issued a lifetime doping ban by Major League Baseball, will be eligible to return in 2019, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said Friday.

Mejia was banished in February 2016 after a third positive test for a banned substance, but Manfred said that provided he meets certain conditions the 28-year-old Dominican will get “a final chance” at a major league career.

“Under the terms of our collectively bargained Joint Drug Program, a permanently suspended player like Mr. Mejia has the right to apply to me for discretionary reinstatement after serving a minimum of two years,” Manfred said, adding that after Mejia applied for reinstatement last year they met in person. “In light of Mr. Mejia’s contrition, his commitment to comply with the Program in the future, and the fact that he will have already spent almost four consecutive years suspended without pay, I have decided to grant Mr. Mejia a final chance to resume his professional career,” Manfred said. Mejia’s permanent ban followed an 80-game suspension handed down on April 11, 2015, after a positive test for the anabolic steroid stanozolol.