NEW YORK - The Mets' L.J. Mazzilli, a son of former major league All-Star and manager Lee Mazzilli, was suspended for 50 games Tuesday under baseball's minor league drug program following a second positive drug test.
L.J. Mazzilli, on the roster of the Mets' Class A team at St. Lucie of the Florida State League, will serve the penalty at the start of next season, the commissioner's office said Tuesday. The substance was described as a drug of abuse but not specified.
"Unfortunately in life, you cannot go back on a bad decision that was made, and in my case, one that I very much regret," L.J. Mazzilli said in a statement released by the Mets. "After everything my loved ones, supporters and the N.Y. Mets have given me, especially an opportunity to chase my childhood dream, I couldn't be more ashamed and sorry. I am fully ready to own up to my mistake and accept the repercussions from Major League Baseball."
He added: "I have learned the hard way that nothing in this life is as important as being a good representative of yourself, your legacy, your family, and contributing positively to society. I am ready to move forward positively in my life and in my career."
Mazzilli apologized to Major League Baseball and the Mets, who said he has "sought counseling to address his issues."
"There is nothing politically correct that I could say that can soften the blow. My son made a mistake," Lee Mazzilli said in a statement issued by the team. "Just like any other parent out there, we are disappointed and hurt when our children make bad decisions. However, we are proud of our son for seeking professional help on his own."
The 24-year-old second baseman was selected from Connecticut in the fourth round of the 2013 amateur draft with the 116th overall pick. He split last season between St. Lucie and Class A Savannah of the South Atlantic League and also played one game at Triple-A Las Vegas. Mazzilli hit a combined .301 with 11 homers, 79 RBI and 14 steals.
Lee Mazzilli played in the major leagues from 1976-89 for the Mets, Texas, the Yankees, Pittsburgh and Toronto. He was an All-Star for the Mets in 1979 and managed Baltimore in 2004 and 2005.