Los Angeles Angels left fielder Josh Hamilton has met with Major League Baseball officials about a disciplinary issue, and the team is bracing for possible penalties.

General Manager Jerry Dipoto confirmed that Hamilton was in New York, but he declined to say what prompted league officials to summon the outfielder or when the situation might be resolved.

"I can say that Josh is going to meet with league officials in New York," Dipoto said Wednesday afternoon.

"At this point, I have no other information to offer."

The Los Angeles Times, which first reported the meeting, learned it involved a disciplinary issue from a person with direct knowledge of the situation. Hamilton's agent, Michael Moye, did not return several messages. MLB spokesman Pat Courtney declined to comment.

Hamilton, 33, is entering the third year of a five-year, $125 million contract. He is recovering from surgery Feb. 4 on his right shoulder. He had not reported to spring training, and the Angels did not issue him a locker in the clubhouse at Tempe Diablo Stadium.

Hamilton has a troubled past that includes a well-chronicled, four-year addiction to cocaine and alcohol. He was suspended from baseball from 2003 to 2005 but returned to develop into a feared slugger.

- Mike DiGiovanna, L.A. Times (TNS)