Report: Josh Hamilton's potential suspension can coincide with DL stint

The Los Angeles Angels may catch a break with the potential suspension of Josh Hamilton following his drug relapse.

Hamilton would begin serving his suspension regardless of whether he would've started the season on the disabled list, reports MLB.com's Alden Gonzalez.

The outfielder was already projected to miss at least the first month of the regular season as he continues to recover from shoulder surgery. Major League Baseball has yet to announce a punishment for the troubled veteran, and is not going to rush to a conclusion. However, if MLB decides to hand down a 25-game suspension, Hamilton may not miss any additional games as he can serve the penalty while on the disabled list.

The Angels do not have to pay Hamilton while he's suspended and could save $125,683.06 for every day he's banned. A 50-game suspension could save the Halos roughly $6.3 million.

Hamilton's drug and alcohol problems resulted in a previous hiatus from baseball from 2003-2006.