Los Angeles Angels outfielder Josh Hamilton will undergo surgery on his right shoulder on Wednesday, according to a team announcement. Hamilton is expected to miss six to eight weeks.
Josh Hamilton to have shoulder surgery, expected out 6-8 weeks
Hamilton’s body isn’t doing him -- or the Angels -- any favors as he enters the third year of a five-year, $125 million deal.
Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
The operation is necessary to repair a damaged AC joint in the shoulder, per the team. Hamilton played through the injury toward the end of last season, during which he spent time on the disabled list with various other ailments. The 33-year-old veteran recently began experiencing the symptoms again, according to MLB’s Alden Gonzalez.
The recurrence of the injury -- described as arthritis, per Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times -- and ensuing recovery time will likely keep Hamilton out past Opening Day and into mid-April. Offseason acquisition Matt Joyce, who owns a career 118 OPS+, could step into the lineup to fill the void left by Hamilton. Collin Cowgill, a worse hitter but better fielder than Joyce, could also see increased playing time.
Hamilton, a five-time All-Star, hit .263/.331/.414 -- good for a 114 OPS+ -- for the defending American League West champions last season. He’s entering the third year of a five-year contract that is paying him $125 million, of which the Angels still owe him $83 million.
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