NEW YORK -- Mets second base prospect L.J. Mazzilli has been suspended 50 games for a second positive test for a drug of abuse, Major League Baseball announced Tuesday.
The Mets said in a statement released Tuesday that Mazzilli "has sought counseling to address his issues."
Mazzilli, 24, is the son of former Met Lee Mazzilli. He was selected by the Mets in the fourth round of the 2013 draft out of UConn.
In the statement, L.J. Mazzilli apologized to the Mets' organization and his family.
"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. "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."
He hit a combined .301 with 11 homers and 79 RBIs and had 14 steals in 505 at-bats last season, primarily with Savannah and St. Lucie. Mazzilli also participated in the Arizona Fall League. where he hit .306 with a homer and seven RBIs in 49 at-bats.
Lee Mazzilli played in the major leagues from 1976 to 1989 for the Mets, Texas, the Yankees, Pittsburgh and Toronto, and was an All-Star for the Mets in 1979. He managed Baltimore in 2004 and '05.
"There is nothing politically correct that I could say that can soften the blow, my son made a mistake," Lee Mazzilli said in the 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."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.