Los Angeles Angels All-Star outfielder Josh Hamilton is in the process of divorcing his wife, Katie, and filed for the divorce in late February, when reports of his drug relapse began to surface.
Naheed Rajwani of The Dallas Morning News reported on Hamilton's situation Monday, adding that the former American League MVP listed 34 requests in the petition. Katie Hamilton denied the petition last month, so it appears there is considerable work to do before the terms are amicable.
Hamilton's father-in-law, Michael Dean Chadwick, had been instrumental in helping the talented ballplayer combat his substance-abuse issues involving alcohol and other drugs, per Rajwani. Katie Hamilton has always been supportive of her husband as he's ultimately salvaged an impressive MLB career.
Although he won't face a suspension for his relapse, Josh Hamilton has yet to participate in a game for the Angels during the 2015 campaign. He's also been recovering from early February surgery on his right shoulder.
Angels pitcher C.J. Wilson, who was also teammates with Hamilton as a member of the Texas Rangers, recently spent time with Hamilton and provided a positive update.
"I feel like he's in a good place and he's doing the right things," said Wilson of Hamilton, per FoxSports.com. "He's going through the counseling stuff that's good for him. I feel like he's ready to go in that regard."
Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports 1 reported Saturday that L.A. has actively sought solutions to the Hamilton situation, which could include either a trade or a contract buyout.
Since starring for the Rangers in Arlington, Hamilton has seen his production drop in two prior seasons for the Angels, with a WAR of just 1.5 (h/t Baseball-Reference.com). That's a far cry from the 33-year-old veteran's apex of 8.7 in that category in 2010.
If Hamilton can't get back on track and start living up to his huge contract, perhaps the buyout is an option L.A. will explore. The risk involved with Hamilton has always been an underlying stipulation, yet his transcendent talent is undeniable.
The Angels haven't been overly supportive of Hamilton. Considering his mansion is up for sale, he's going through a divorce and hasn't met expectations in L.A., the writing may be on the wall for Hamilton's exit from the club.
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