One of the Mets’ better prospects, and a link to the organization’s past, suffered a significant setback Tuesday.
L.J. Mazzilli, a second baseman, has been suspended for 50 games after recording a second positive test for a “drug of abuse,” Major League Baseball announced. The 24-year-old, the son of beloved former Mets outfielder (and Yankees coach and Orioles manager) Lee Mazzilli, will serve the suspension at the start of the 2015 season, and the Mets said that he would seek counseling for his drug issues.
“I would like to sincerely apologize for my actions to Mr. Fred and Jeff Wilpon, Mr. Sandy Alderson and the NY Mets organization,” Mazzilli said, in a statement released by the Mets. “I would also like to apologize to my family, my friends and my fans, who have supported me in my life and my career.
“Unfortunately, in life, you cannot go back on a bad decision that was made, and in my case, one that I very much regret. …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.
Lee Mazzilli, who currently works for the Yankees, said, “There is nothing politically correct that I could say that can soften the blow, my son made a mistake. 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.”
In a separate statement, the Mets added, “We support the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. We were disappointed and sorry to hear of L.J.’s struggles. We are pleased that L.J. has sought counseling to address his issues.”
L.J. Mazzilli, whom the Mets selected in the fourth round of the 2013 amateur draft, posted a .301/.361/.440 slash line in 131 games, totaling 563 plate appearances, in 2014. He climbed the ladder from Class A Savannah to Class A St. Lucie and then played one game with Triple-A Las Vegas. Many scouts believe he has a major-league-caliber bat, though his position is to be determined.