MLB players tweet criticism of Mejia signing

Coming back from a lifetime ban for using performance-enhancing drugs hasn't impressed all of Jenrry Mejia's peers.

On Tuesday, the Boston Red Sox agreed to a one-year deal with the right-handed reliever, months after Mejia was reinstated from a lifetime ban for testing positive for PEDs on three separate occasions.

Justin Verlander, an outspoken advocate of harsher penalties for PED users, was quick to send out a vague message moments after the signing was first reported:

The Houston Astros pitcher has previously been quick to issue complaints about notable PED suspensions, recently mocking Robinson Cano for his 80-game ban last season. The former MVP and Cy Young winner has also called for reform to the appellate process:

Meanwhile, Peter Moylan, a right-handed reliever like Mejia, was less vague with his criticism.

Moylan, 40, spent the 2018 season with the Atlanta Braves and is a veteran of 12 seasons that include stints with the Kansas City Royals and Los Angeles Dodgers.

Mejia tested positive for PED use three times between 2015-16, becoming the first player in MLB history to earn a lifetime ban for a trio of failed tests. At the time, Mejia was one of four living people to be banned for life from the sport, including disgraced hit king Pete Rose, former Braves GM John Coppolella, and former St. Louis Cardinals scouting director Chris Correa.

The 29-year-old appealed the league's decision and commissioner Rob Manfred conditionally reinstated the pitcher midway through the 2018 season. The right-hander would be able to take part in non-public workouts with his then-team, the New York Mets, and, if he continued to comply with the league's joint drug program, would be fully reinstated by the beginning of the ensuing spring training.