Hamilton Out 6-8 Weeks, De La Rosa to be Activated Friday

Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

One of the basic rules taught in little leaguers is to never slide into first base. Josh Hamilton did just that earlier this week, suffering a thumb injury that puts him on the shelf for the next 6-8 weeks. He leads the Los Angeles Angels in runs (7), hits (12), and total bases (20) through nine games and was named American League co-Player of the Week.

An MRI following the Angels loss to the Seattle Mariners Tuesday night revealed a torn ligament in his left thumb, which requires surgery. Hamilton denied rumors that he was seeking a second opinion, stating that he’s meeting with doctor Friday to make the surgery official. The left fielder was placed on the 15-day DL, making room for J.B. Shuck to be recalled from Triple-A Salt Lake.

Erick Aybar missed Wednesday night’s game after having dental work done earlier in the day but should be ready to go for this weekend’s series with the New York Mets.

Sean Burnett continues to feel soreness in his surgically repaired left arm. Limited to 13 appearances last season with the Halos, Burnett missed all of spring training and began the 2014 campaign on the disabled list. The left-hander signed with the Angels after posting a 2.81 ERA in 202 innings with the Washington Nationals.

There’s a bit of good news on the injury front as Dane De La Rosa expects to join the major league club in time for Friday’s game against the Mets. Wednesday night, De La Rosa pitched a scoreless inning with Class A-Inland Empire in his third and final rehab outing. He only pitched in one spring training game before experiencing forearm tightness.

Minor league pitcher Brian Moran, a rule 5 pick originally drafted by the Mariners, will undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery. He will be placed on the 60-day DL but is expected to remain with the Angels next season.