By MARC TOPKIN, Times Staff Writer
Published November 16, 2005
ST. PETERSBURG - Troubled outfielder Josh Hamilton was reinstated to the Devil Rays 40-man roster in a procedural move this week, but it remains unlikely he will return to the field any time soon.
Hamilton, the top pick of the 1999 draft, remains under indefinite suspension by MLB for multiple violations of the drug policy.
Rosters must be set by Friday. The Rays could take Hamilton off the roster to clear space to add other prospects, such as Jamie Shields and Wes Bankston. If so, they could risk losing Hamilton on waivers if another team gave him a spot on its 40-man roster.
With Rocco Baldelli reinstated from the 60-day disabled list, the roster is at 39. Several players are expected to be dropped by Friday.
