Mets reliever Jenrry Mejia has returned to the team after serving an 80-game suspension for PED use. Buddy Carlyle has been transferred to the 60-day disabled list to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for Mejia. Logan Verrett has been optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas to make room for Mejia on the 25-man roster.
Mejia, 25, tested positive for Stanozolol in early April and denied knowingly using the substance. Mejia was also dealing with an elbow injury at the time of his suspension but is completely healed up from that.
Jeurys Familia stepped into the closer’s role in Mejia’s absence and performed so well he was nominated to the National League All-Star roster. Familia has converted the save in 23 of 25 chances with a 1.13 ERA and a 41/12 K/BB ratio over 39 2/3 innings. As a result, Mejia will not be reclaiming his job as the Mets’ closer.
Last season, Mejia moved to the bullpen after a mediocre stretch of seven starts. He saved 28 games in 31 chances with a 2.72 ERA and a 60/21 K/BB ratio in 56 1/3 innings.