ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Los Angeles Angels owner Arte Moreno isn't certain Josh Hamilton will play for the team again after his latest relapse into substance abuse.Moreno also said the outfielder's contract contains language protecting the team against a relapse by Hamilton, apparently contradicting his previous statements.Moreno spoke briefly to reporters on the field at Angel Stadium before the club's home opener against Kansas City on Friday night.
When asked if Hamilton definitely would play again for Los Angeles, Moreno replied: "I will not say that."
Moreno's comments are the latest development in an uncomfortable divide between the Angels and Hamilton, a five-time All-Star who hasn't come close to justifying his $125 million contract in his first two seasons. Hamilton isn't with the team while undergoing rehabilitation on his surgically repaired shoulder, and he isn't expected to be ready to play again until May.Hamilton, who turns 34 next month, has three years and $83 million left on his deal with the Angels. The 2010 AL MVP has been largely ineffective in two injury-marred seasons in Orange County, managing just 31 homers and 123 RBIs.Major League Baseball will not discipline Hamilton for his self-reported relapse after a ruling last week by an arbitrator appointed under MLB's joint drug program with the players' association. The Angels reacted angrily to the decision, with President John Carpino saying the ruling "defies logic."The Angels could have saved millions if Hamilton had been suspended, but the free-spending Moreno insists he isn't trying to pinch pennies two years after making the decision to spend nine figures on a 30-something slugger with a well-documented history of substance abuse."It's not about money," Moreno said. "Nothing about money."Although Hamilton is swinging at pitches, he isn't expected to be ready to play for several weeks. Angels manager Mike Scioscia has been noncommittal about Hamilton's return to the club.Hamilton never attended spring training with the Angels in Arizona, staying in Texas for rehab. Scioscia has refused to say whether Hamilton will even visit with the Angels when they are in Houston next weekend.In Hamilton's absence, the Angels have used four different starting left fielders in their first four games. Collin Cowgill got his second start of the season in the home opener.
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