BOSTON — Los Angeles Angels outfielder Josh Hamilton is out of the lineup again for Monday night’s game against the Red Sox, a day after asking for a day off.
Angels manager Mike Scioscia said that Hamilton needs another day to relax and he would be coming to the park early Tuesday to work on things.
“He’s going to come out early Tuesday, work on a couple of things and hopefully be ready to go,” Scioscia said. “Just a day to kind of rest and hopefully move towards that goal.”
Hamilton is hitting .266 with eight homers and 35 RBIs. He has just two homers and three RBIs this month.
Scioscia feels the 2010 AL MVP has lost confidence and understands the team needs his production in the middle of the order.
“I think it brings a lot of attention to what you’re trying to do when a guy you’re counting on to hit in the middle of your lineup is struggling for a prolonged period of time,” he said. “I think we have every confidence, and I know Josh does, that he’ll find it and contribute in what we need him to do.”
Hamilton asked to have Sunday’s series finale against Texas off. Scioscia said he expects him to be in the lineup Tuesday.
Before the Angels played in Texas, Hamilton went 3 for 25 on a homestand. Strangely, he’s hitting .160 over his last 20 home games, but .307 in his last 18 on the road.
Scioscia thinks the extra early work will help get him back in the lineup for Tuesday’s game at Fenway Park.
“Talking to Josh, that’s the definite plan,” he said. “We’re anticipating him playing.”
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