What was his problem? I thought I heard he was a major Meth or Heroin user...
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) -- Troubled Tampa Bay prospect Josh Hamilton received permission Thursday to participate in extended spring training workouts but remains ineligible to play in minor or major league games.
Hamilton, the first pick in the 1999 amateur draft, has been on major league baseball's restricted list the last two seasons.
The 25-year-old outfielder was suspended in February 2004 for violating baseball's drug policy. He hasn't played since July 2002 because of injuries and unspecified personal issues.
Hamilton was granted limited privileges that will allow him to begin working out at the Devil Rays' spring training complex on Friday.
"Our foremost thoughts are about how the Devil Rays organization can further aid Josh in his continued recovery," Devil Rays executive vice president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said in a statement.
"After discussions with major league baseball, it was determined that a return to the field was an appropriate next step. We are fully supportive of Josh's efforts and are proud of his recent accomplishments."
The St. Petersburg Times reported the partial reinstatement was the result of several months of talks between the Devil Rays, baseball officials, the players union and medical personnel.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) -- Troubled Tampa Bay prospect Josh Hamilton received permission Thursday to participate in extended spring training workouts but remains ineligible to play in minor or major league games.
Hamilton, the first pick in the 1999 amateur draft, has been on major league baseball's restricted list the last two seasons.
The 25-year-old outfielder was suspended in February 2004 for violating baseball's drug policy. He hasn't played since July 2002 because of injuries and unspecified personal issues.
Hamilton was granted limited privileges that will allow him to begin working out at the Devil Rays' spring training complex on Friday.
"Our foremost thoughts are about how the Devil Rays organization can further aid Josh in his continued recovery," Devil Rays executive vice president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said in a statement.
"After discussions with major league baseball, it was determined that a return to the field was an appropriate next step. We are fully supportive of Josh's efforts and are proud of his recent accomplishments."
The St. Petersburg Times reported the partial reinstatement was the result of several months of talks between the Devil Rays, baseball officials, the players union and medical personnel.
