New York--New York Mets pitcher Jenrry Mejia, already battling elbow trouble, was banned for 80 games by Major League Baseball on Saturday for steroid use.
The Dominican-born right-hander tested positive for Stanozolol.
"I know the rules and I will accept my punishment, but I honestly have no idea how a banned substance ended up in my system," Mejia said in a statement released shortly after Major League Baseball announced the punishment.
"I'm sorry to the Mets organization, my team-mates and the fans, as well as my family."
Mejia had been set to close out Monday's 3-1 win over the Nationals in Washington, but instead was taken to the clubhouse with the team's trainer for evaluation because of soreness in his pitching elbow.
He underwent an x-ray and MRI which revealed inflammation, but no tears, and he was expected to miss at least 10 days.
Now, he won't be eligible to return until almost the mid-season All-Star break.
The 25-year-old reliever finished last season with a 6-6 record and 3.65 earned run average in 63 appearances, which included 28 saves.
"We were disappointed when informed of Jenrry's suspension for violating Major League Baseball's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program," the Mets said in a statement. "We fully support MLB's policy toward eliminating performance enhancing substances from the sport."
Mejia is the third pitcher from the Dominican Republic to be slapped with an 80-game ban after testing positive for the anabolic steroid Stanozolol.
Minnesota Twins pitcher Ervin Santana and Atlanta Braves pitcher Arodys Vizcaino also received half season suspensions.
AFP
