Los Angeles Angels outfielder Josh Hamilton experienced a relapse in the offseason involving cocaine and alcohol, and he violated the league’s drug policy as a result.
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A suspension is expected to be handed down to the troubled outfielder, but MLB commissioner Rob Manfred announced that he will not make a decision until after Opening Day.
The 2015 season opener will be played on Sunday night, and the rest of the teams will play their season openers on Monday, so Manfred has approximately another week to think about how to deal with Hamilton.
This suspension may not affect Hamilton too greatly though since he is expected to begin the season on the disabled list due to shoulder surgery.
Manfred said that Hamilton’s injury may coincide with his suspension, and the Angels will not have to pay some of his $23 million salary while he is off the field.
Closer Huston Street is entering a contract year with the Angels, who are trying to work out an extension for him after acquiring him in a trade with the San Diego Padres in the middle of the 2014 season.
Their plans for Street are expected to be made easier if they can save money from the Hamilton suspension, which was previously expected to be 25 games.
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