Mets prospect L.J. Mazzilli suspended 50 games for drug violation
New York Mets prospect L.J. Mazzilli was suspended 50 games for violating MLB's drug policy, MLB announced Tuesday.
Mazzilli is the son of former major league player and manager Lee Mazzilli.
The suspension was for a drug "of abuse," not PEDs. The Mets said in a statement that Mazzilli has sought counseling.
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"Unfortunately, in life, you cannot go back on a bad decision that was made, and in my case, one that I very much regret," Mazzilli said in a statement. "After everything my loved ones, supporters, and the Mets have given me, especially an opportunity to chase my childhood dream, I couldn't be more ashamed and sorry."
"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. "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."
Mazilli, a second baseman, was selected by the Mets in the fourth round of the 2013 MLB draft. He split the 2014 season between High Single A Port St. Lucie and Low Single A Savannah and hit a combined .301 with 11 homers, 79 RBIs and 14 steals.
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Lee Mazzilli played for the Mets, Texas Rangers, New York Yankees, Pittsburgh Pirates and Toronto Blue Jays. He managed the Baltimore Orioles in 2004 and 2005.
- Ben Estes