Scott Spiezio was signed by Atlanta on March 31 after he was released by the St. Louis Cardinals.

Richmond Braves infielder Scott Spiezio was released by the parent Atlanta Braves yesterday after showing up to the R-Braves' road game Friday in Allentown, Pa., unprepared to play.

Spiezio, 35, a veteran of 12 years in the major leagues, was sentenced to three years probation Monday after pleading guilty to misdemeanor drunken driving and hit-and-run charges stemming from a December car crash in Newport Beach, Calif.

Atlanta had signed Spiezio on March 31 and assigned him to Triple-A Richmond. He had been released by the St. Louis Cardinals on Feb. 27 after the charges surfaced.

Atlanta General Manager Frank Wren said when the team signed Spiezio, they had agreed he would continue his aftercare and submit to testing, attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and report to the ballpark each day prepared to play.

"[Friday], he was not ready to play," Wren said.

Wren did not provide details.

Richmond completed a homestand Thursday afternoon at The Diamond and bussed that night to Pennsylvania for a series against Lehigh Valley.

Spiezio, who hit .333 with five RBI in five games with Richmond, was not in the lineup as the R-Braves christened Lehigh Valley's new ballpark Friday night with a 6-0 victory.

Richmond manager Dave Brundage did not return two messages. R-Braves General Manager Bruce Baldwin said he received an e-mail from Atlanta saying Spiezio had been released, but he did not know details.

"He was appreciative of the opportunity," Wren said. "He and we realized he needed more time to continue his rehabilitation. He just . . . needs to be in an environment where he can get the care he needs."

Spiezio missed more than a month with St. Louis last season while receiving treatment for substance abuse. He had been in a treatment center earlier this year following the December incident.

According to the Orange County, Calif., District Attorney's office, Spiezio had several vodka drinks at a bar and attempted to drive home. After speeding and crossing into oncoming traffic, he drove over a curb and crashed into a fence.

Spiezio fled the scene, ran to his condominium complex and went to a friend's condo, where he vomited. When the friend made a comment about the vomit, Spiezio was accused of repeatedly punching the friend and throwing him against a wall.

He was charged with six misdemeanors: driving under the influence, driving with a blood alcohol level of .08 percent or more, hit and run with property damage, aggravated assault, battery, and assault. Four of the charges were dismissed as part of a plea agreement.

In addition to probation, Spiezio was given three months in an alcohol program and 80 hours of community service. He has to attend two Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and has to pay $839 in restitution to the University of California Irvine for the property damage as well as court fees.