Washington — Scott Spiezio was only two months out of a substance abuse treatment center when the Braves signed him to a minor league contract two weeks ago. It apparently wasn't long enough.

The Braves released Spiezio on Saturday after he showed up to a AAA Richmond Braves game unprepared to play Friday, according to Braves general manager Frank Wren.

"We had an agreement with Scott," Wren said. "There were three things we asked him to do: No. 1 is to continue his aftercare, which included testing, No. 2, that he attend AA [meetings] and No. 3 he would show up at the park every day ready to play. And yesterday he was not ready to play."

Wren declined further comment on why Spiezio was unprepared to play. Spiezio's agent Barry Meister declined to comment on specifics on Saturday as well.

"We appreciate the Braves being so sensitive," Meister said. "[Scott] is going to go home and spend time with his kids and continue to work on his aftercare."

Spiezio had just plead guilty Monday to misdemeanor drunken driving and hit-and-run charges stemming from a December incident in Newport Beach, Calif. He was sentenced to three years' probation, ordered to complete 80 hours of community service, complete an alcohol program, as well as attend Alcoholics' Anonymous meetings.

The Cardinals had released Spiezio on Feb. 27 after learning of the warrant for Spiezio's arrest over the incident.

Spiezio was hitting .333 (7-for-21) in five games for Richmond. The Richmond Braves were playing their first road game of the year Friday in Allentown, Pa., against the Lehigh Valley IronPigs.

"Dave Brundage, our AAA manager, was really saddened when I talked to him," Wren said. "He thought Scott was making good progress on all fronts. He just needs more time.

"He needs to be in an environment where he can get the care he needs. It's more important for him to be in a stable environment rather than traveling."