Josh Hamilton won't be suspended by Major League Baseball after an arbitrator ruled the Los Angeles Angels outfielder did not violate the terms of his drug treatment program following his latest substance-abuse relapse.
Hamilton, who admitted to league officials in February that he suffered a relapse reportedly involving alcohol and cocaine, was facing a possible suspension after a four-person panel failed to reach a consensus on whether he violated the policies set out in his treatment program. An outside arbitrator was called in to break the tie and has ruled in favor of Hamilton, the league announced Friday.
Hamilton, a five-time All-Star and the 2010 AL MVP, is subject to the treatment program due to repeated violations and a history of drug and alcohol abuse.
MLB released a statement saying the commissioner's office disagrees with the arbitrator's decision but has no recourse to impose additional penalties.
"As a result of that decision, the Office of the Commissioner is not permitted to suspend or impose any discipline on Hamilton," the statement read. "The Office of the Commissioner disagrees with the decision, and will seek to address deficiencies in the manner in which drugs of abuse are addressed under the Program in the collective bargaining process."
Hamilton, 33, is currently rehabbing his shoulder after undergoing offseason surgery and is not expected to return until late May at the earliest. He's set to earn $25 million this season and is owed $83 million over the next three years.
Hamilton's return is further muddied by the reaction Friday's ruling triggered from the Angels, who expressed disappointment in the arbitrator's decision.
"It defies logic that Josh's reported behavior is not a violation of his drug program," team president John Carpino told reporters.
It's been speculated that commissioner Rob Manfred would suspend Hamilton for at least 25 games had the arbitrator acknowledged the player violated terms of the drug policy. The Angels, in turn, would not have been required to pay Hamilton's salary during such time.
Angels general manager Jerry Dipoto, who signed Hamilton to a five-year, $125-million contract with the Angels in 2012, also took issue with Friday's announcement by suggesting the player is not ready to return to baseball.
"The Angels have serious concerns about Josh's conduct, health and behavior and we are disappointed that he has broken an important commitment which he made to himself, his family, his teammates and our fans," Dipoto said. "We are going to do everything possible to assure he receives proper help for himself and for the well-being of his family."