Report: Red Sox sign previously banned Mejia to minor-league deal
The Boston Red Sox signed right-handed reliever Jenrry Mejia on Tuesday to a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training, Jon Heyman of Fancred Sports reports.
The former New York Mets closer had been banned from Major League Baseball for life after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs on three separate occasions, but he was conditionally reinstated last summer.
In the event Mejia makes the team out of spring training, the righty will make $625,000, according to Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY Sports.
Mejia last appeared in the majors in 2015, throwing 7 1/3 innings for the Mets. In 2014, he made 63 total appearances - including seven starts - posting a 3.65 ERA and 3.73 FIP with 28 saves.
The 29-year-old was first suspended for PEDs in April 2015 while rehabbing from elbow inflammation. Shortly after returning from his 80-game ban, Mejia was penalized again for testing positive and handed a 162-game suspension the following July. While serving that suspension, he tested positive for a third time and was given a lifetime ban.
On July 6, 2018, the league office conditionally reinstated Mejia after the pitcher appealed the prior decision. "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 (Joint Drug) Program going forward," commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement at the time.
As part of the conditional reinstatement, Mejia was allowed to resume non-public workouts with the Mets and can partake in full baseball activities by 2019 spring training.
Mejia became a free agent in November upon his release.