:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46596718/usa-today-8081309.0.jpg)
Making his first rehab appearance of the season, Jenrry Mejia pitched a scoreless inning today for the Gulf Coast League Mets, allowing two hits and striking out three. The right-hander has not yet pitched in the majors this season, after being sent to the disabled list with elbow soreness. While recovering, he was then suspended 80 games after testing positive for the banned substance stanozolol.
Mejia entered the season as the incumbent closer, after saving 28 games in 2014 with a 3.65 ERA, 98 strikeouts, and 41 walks in 93.2 innings. In his absence, Jeurys Familia has inherited and subsequently put a stranglehold on the closer position, meaning Mejia will pitch in a setup role when he eventually returns.
Mejia's suspension means that he is ineligible to participate in the playoffs, but Terry Collins has confirmed that the 25-year-old will have a spot in the Mets' bullpen upon his return. He is eligible to return from his suspension on July 7, when the team will be in San Francisco.