Josh

Hamilton

Team officials continue to decline comment, and agent Casey Close has not returned messages.

The move opens up a 40-man roster spot for Roberto Alomar. Hamilton has been suspended for the 2005 season for additional violations of the drug policy, though the hope is that he’ll be reinstated in June or July.

Whether Hamilton will be on the field for the start of spring training is still to be decided, but he is hopeful that both the Rays and MLB will let him participate. If everything works out this spring, he’ll probably begin the season at Double-A Montgomery.

It was announced in May that Hamilton would miss the season because of unspecified personal problems. He won’t be activated, but the fact that he’s involved in baseball again is a positive sign. The Rays aren’t sure if the former first-round pick will play fall or winter baseball.

The Hamilton story just keeps getting worse. The 23-year-old outfielder who had so much promise, is currenlty serving a one-year suspension for violating MLB’s substance abuse policy.

Hamilton left the organization two weeks ago for what was termed ''personal reasons.’'

Hamilton was hitting .260/.327/.360 in 15 games for short-season Single-A Hudson Valley before getting hurt.

So much for his comeback. Hamilton hit just .260/.327/.360 in 15 games at low Single-A after sitting out multiple seasons due to injuries and suspensions.

It’s a temporary reinstatement. At the end of Hamilton’s stint in extended spring training, officials are expected to decide if he will be allowed to continue playing. If so, he would likely join a club in the low minors.

Hamilton was granted limited privileges starting June 2 that allowed him to begin working out at the Devil Rays’ minor league complex with the extended spring training team. He didn’t appear in any extended games, but did take part in simulated games. He’ll be assigned to SS Single-A Hudson Valley and play in his first game Monday.