RADIO
The Angels were one of baseball’s best teams a season ago, before anticlimactically getting swept by the Royals in the American League Division Series. Entering 2015, they’re still considered by many to be one of the top contenders, although there appears to be a wrench in those plans, at least as the season gets underway.
It was announced Tuesday evening that outfielder Josh Hamilton will have to undergo surgery to repair the AC joint in his right shoulder, which is something that will keep him out 6-8 weeks. He’ll be allowed to resume baseball activities in approximately three weeks, although the overall timetable has his Opening Day status, as well as his status for some of the ensuing regular season games, up in the air.
Hamilton had actually experienced shoulder issues throughout last September, and was quoted as saying those exact symptoms “resurfaced this past week,” leading to this procedure. It’s unfortunate for the Angels, as Hamilton is a player they need back closer to his normal form in order to make a World Series push.
Last year, the former All-Star was limited to 89 games due to injury and posted a very lackluster .263/.331/.414 line, to go with just 10 HR and 44 RBI, his lowest totals in both categories since his injury-shortened 2009 campaign. Hamilton also struggled in his first year with the Angels in 2013.
C.J. Cron, a promising rookie a year ago, will fill in for Hamilton should the former Ranger miss any time to begin the 2015 season.
