Josh Hamilton admitted to having a relapse this offseason after meeting with MLB officials in New York City earlier this week and he's now reportedly facing suspension. Meanwhile, the Toronto Blue Jays signed a pitcher who hasn't played in the MLB since 2012.
League officials are weighing how to punish Hamilton for his violation of baseball's drug policy and Commissioner Rob Manfred is not close to a decision, according to FOX Sports' Jon Morosi. The former AL MVP is likely to be suspended for at least 25 games, but will not be banned for a full season because the league is trying to show compassion since Hamilton has been battling addiction for years.
When the news of Hamilton's pending punishment was reported on Tuesday, it was said he would be a first-time offender because his previous suspension (Feb. 18, 2004 through June 1, 2006) occurred when he was in the minor leagues. However, Morosi notes Hamilton will not be treated as a first-time offender because he was on the Tampa Bay Devil Rays' 40-man roster before the suspension took place.
As a result, he won't be subjected to the minimum suspension of 15-25 games for a first-time offender. It's unknown when the MLB will make a ruling, but they're likely taking into account Hamilton's cooperation with the drug policy for almost nine years (three drug tests each week) and the fact that all of his relapses (two other alcohol-related ones) occurred during the offseason and when he was away from baseball.
Speaking of players who have been out of the league for an extended period of time at some point in their careers, starting pitcher Johan Santana made it known earlier in the offseason that he was attempting yet another comeback in 2015. He is one step closer to fulfilling that goal after the Toronto Blue Jays signed him to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports. He will earn a $2.5 million base salary if he makes the major league roster.
Santana was pitching for Navegantes del Magallanes of the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League over the winter. He showed promise in a couple of appearances, but then suffered from shoulder discomfort and was scratched from the remainder of the playoffs. At least six teams were interested in him prior to his setback, including the New York Yankees and San Diego Padres.
The 34-year-old left-hander hasn't pitched in the MLB since 2012 when he was with the New York Mets and has only made 50 starts since the 2010 season. However, if he has an impressive spring, he could earn a spot in the rotation depending on how starters Drew Hutchison and Marco Estrada perform.
