ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Right fielder Josh Hamilton has been scratched from the Los Angeles Angels’ lineup for Saturday’s game against the Chicago White Sox.
According to a club spokesman, it’s “Just a day off, to recharge.” Hamilton originally was scheduled to bat fifth, but was replaced in right field by Mark Trumbo — who had been slotted as the designated hitter. Instead, Albert Pujols was shifted from first base to DH and Brendan Harris was inserted as the first baseman.
Hamilton is batting .210 with five home runs and 12 RBIs in 167 at-bats during his first season with the Angels, who signed the five-time All-Star to a five-year, $125 million contract in December. The 2010 AL MVP is 6 for 31 in his last eight games with one RBI — a home run on Tuesday — and seven strikeouts.
