Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton, whose past struggles with drugs and alcohol are well-documented, reportedly suffered a relapse earlier this week. Hamilton reportedly drank alcohol in a local Dallas bar on Monday, though details of the relapse were unavailable.

The report, citing sources familiar with the situation, comes from Gerry Fraley of the Dallas Morning News. Fraley also notes this is the second time Hamilton relapsed, with a similar, but perhaps more serious, incident occurring in 2009.

This was Hamilton's second alcohol-related relapse in just over three years. In January, 2009, he drank to excess in a bar in Tempe, Ariz.

A day after that episode, Hamilton informed his family, the Rangers and Major League Baseball of what he had done. He passed a drug test that day and later participated in a MLB-mandated counseling program.

The Rangers are aware of the situation, but did not comment on the matter. It's unclear what comes next for Hamilton, who is set to become a free agent at the conclusion of the 2012 season.

For more on Hamilton and the Rangers, visit Lone Star Ball.