Josh Hamilton Won't Be Suspended by MLB: Latest Details, Comments, Reaction

Los Angeles Angels outfielder Josh Hamilton will not be suspended for his substance abuse missteps in the offseason.

Continue for updates.

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Hamilton Meets With Angels Officials, Players Concerning Status With Team

Saturday, April 18

Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports provided details of the team's meeting with Hamilton:

On April 17, Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register reported that Hamilton met with several players and a few Angels officials Friday. 

Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com passed along a statement from Angels general manager Jerry Dipoto:

Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times shared more quotes from those involved in Friday's meetings with the Angels star:

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Arte Moreno Comments on Hamilton

Friday, April 10

Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com provided comments from Angels owner Arte Moreno, who commented on Hamilton's status:

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Hamilton Won't be Suspended

Friday, April 3

Major League Baseball provided a statement on the decision:

Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reported the Angels' statement on MLB's decision:

MLB.com's Alden Gonzalez had more from Angels president John Carpino:

CBS Sports' Jon Heyman noted that credit for Hamilton escaping discipline belongs to the MLB Players Association:

Reports of a potential punishment first began surfacing after Hamilton met with MLB officials on Feb. 25. A source told Rosenthal the meeting concerned a disciplinary issue "worse" than performance-enhancing drugs. Heyman later confirmed with a source that Hamilton admitted to officials he suffered a relapse with cocaine.

The top overall pick in the 1999 MLB draft by Tampa Bay, Hamilton never made the majors with the Rays due to a number of off-field problems—most notably drug addiction. After bouncing in and out of the Tampa Bay system for years, he eventually rejuvenated his career after Cincinnati, via the Chicago Cubs, acquired him in the 2006 Rule 5 draft.

After a year with the Reds, Hamilton spent five seasons in Texas, emerging as one of baseball's best hitters. He won the 2010 AL MVP, made the All-Star team five times and belted 100 home runs over his final three campaigns with the Rangers. In 2012, Hamilton addressed a relapse with alcohol related to a family matter.

The Angels signed Hamilton to a $125 million contract before the 2013 season. The move has largely been a disappointment, with Hamilton hitting only 31 home runs his first two seasons in Los Angeles. Injury limited him to 89 games last season.

Hamilton underwent offseason shoulder surgery, and his status is unclear for the beginning of the 2015 regular season. However, ESPN's Jerry Crasnick reported that "Hamilton is 'working hard' to get back on field, sources say. But there's no specific timetable for his return."

It's hard to tell exactly when Hamilton will be ready to take the field for the Angels, but the team now knows that he'll be able to play once his shoulder heals. That provides a boost for a team already considered among MLB's biggest contenders.

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