Report: Angels to Trade Josh Hamilton

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(LOS ANGELES) — After two disastrous seasons with the Angels, Los Angeles appears poised to trade Josh Hamilton back to the Texas Rangers, according to multiple reports. 

Hamilton, a recovering alcoholic and former drug abuser, suffered a relapse this offseason. He was facing at least a 25 game suspension until a five-person arbitration panel ruled that he would not be suspended. 

The day of the decision the Angels released a statement: 

“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. We are going to do everything possible to assure he receives proper help for himself and for the well-being of his family.”

 The Angels signed Hamilton to a five-year, $125 million deal in2013 after he spent the previous five seasons with the Rangers. 

He never captured the same magic with the Angels that rejuvenated his career in Texas. The 2010 MVP, hit only 31 home runs in two seasons with L.A. — he hit 43 in 2012 — and his batting average steadily declined topping out at .263 in 2014.