Los Angeles Angels unsure about Josh Hamilton’s return after setback

Today was the day that Josh Hamilton was supposed to return to the lineup for the Los Angeles Angels. A setback in his rehab this week pushed that date back and has left the Angels uncertain when the slugger will be able to return.

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Hamilton has been out since April 9th with an injury to his left thumb that required surgery. While taking rehab at-bats for the Triple-A Salt Lake City Bees this weekend, Hamilton was jammed on an inside pitch and tweaked his thumb. That forced him to be pulled from the lineup the following day.

Hamilton has not played since that setback this weekend, and the Angels are uncertain when he will be able to resume his rehab. Per Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times:

Bill Shaikin of the LA Times reports that the Angels have expressed some concern about the setback and that they are not sure when Hamilton will be able to start playing again:

"“The Angels play in Seattle starting Monday. Salt Lake plays in nearby Tacoma starting Tuesday, and Scioscia said the Angels could check Hamilton in Seattle. That would indicate Hamilton probably would not play for Salt Lake on Monday.”"

Hamilton might not be starting over in terms of his rehab, but it does sound like the Angels might have to hit the reset button on his number of minor league at-bats before returning. Many were excited to see what the resurgent Angels would look like with Hamilton back in the lineup. Those folks will be left waiting a little bit longer.