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Josh Hamilton Blames Lack of ‘Discipline’ for Struggles, Admits He Is Trying to Quit Chewing Tobacco

Josh Hamilton has been struggling at the plate recently, and after some strange comments he made regarding personal issues, speculation ran rampant about the cause of his struggles.

On Friday, Hamilton addressed those issues head-on in a statement to try to clear the air.

“I felt it was important to clarify what the ‘issue’ was to which I was referring — both personally and professionally,” Hamilton said. “The issue is ‘discipline.’ Professionally, it’s been plate discipline. Personally, it’s been being obedient to the Lord in quitting chewing tobacco.”

Hamilton, who has had well-documented struggles with addiction, said he was hesitant to address the issue without having made progress. However, after the ambiguity in which he referred to problems, he felt it was best to clarify things to avoid more confusion.

The Rangers slugger has seen a drop in his production every month this year, cooling off considerably since he hit .395 through April. On the season, Hamilton is batting .284 with 29 home runs and 88 RBIs.