Mets prospect Mazzilli suspended

NEW YORK -- Major League Baseball has suspended Mets prospect L.J. Mazzilli 50 games for a second positive test of a "drug of abuse," in violation of the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment program. The league announced the suspension on Tuesday.

"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. I am fully ready to own up to my mistake and accept the repercussions from Major League Baseball."

Mazzilli, 24, the son of former Mets player Lee Mazzilli, hit .301 this season in 131 games split between three levels, the bulk of them coming at Class A Savannah and Class A Advanced St. Lucie. A University of Connecticut product, Mazzilli was the Mets' fourth-round Draft pick in 2013.

In a statement, the Mets said that they are "disappointed and sorry to hear of L.J.'s struggles," and that 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. "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 only thing now that we can do as a family is love him, support him, and have faith as we've always done."