Josh Hamilton meeting with MLB about 'disciplinary issue'

It sounds like trouble and Josh Hamilton might have found each other again.

The Los Angeles Angels acknowledged Wednesday that their injured outfielder has been summoned to meet with MLB officials at the league office in New York City. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Times reports Hamilton's trip is regarding a "disciplinary issue."

From The Times' Mike DiGiovanna:

“I can say that Josh is going to meet with league officials in New York,” [GM Jerry] Dipoto said. “At this point I have no other information to offer.” The Los Angeles Times learned the meeting involved a disciplinary issue through a person with knowledge of the situation.

Hamilton has an injured shoulder, and he doesn’t have a locker in the Angels’ spring training clubhouse at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Hamilton’s agent, Michael Moye, did not return several messages, and MLB spokesman Pat Courtney declined to comment.

The Angels are allowing Hamilton to remain in Houston — at a friend’s ranch — to rehabilitate from Feb. 4 surgery on his right shoulder, an odd arrangement considering most players remain with their teams while recovering from injuries during spring training or the regular season. 

 The situation sounds bad. And Hamilton's troubled past doesn't help matters. He's a former No. 1 pick who was suspended from the game after bouts with drug and alcohol abuse. He cleaned himself up and became an MVP with the Texas Rangers, but has struggled in Anaheim since signing a $125 million deal with the Angels before the 2013 season.

Hamilton's been either injured or unproductive for much of his time with the team, including a 0-for-the-ALDS performance when he was last on the field, as the Angels were booted out of the 2014 playoffs early.

It's both too early and unfair to assume that Hamilton's meeting has anything to do with his past problems, but the fact that he's being called to New York City by the league doesn't bode well. The Angels are reportedly bracing themselves for Hamilton to be punished by MLB, and given what we know, that seems like a prudent move.