MLB Rumors: Angels OF Josh Hamilton could play on Thursday

Sep 27, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Josh Hamilton (32) reacts after striking out against the Texas Rangers during the eighth inning of a baseball game at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. The Rangers won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports /

When we last heard from Los Angeles Angels outfielder Josh Hamilton, he was scheduled to be taking the field in “a week or so”, and now, there is a report circulating that he could be back on the field on Thursday.

Josh Hamilton (strained calf) did agility drills yesterday and expects to run sprints today. Could play as soon as Thursday. #Angels
— Alden González (@Alden_Gonzalez) March 10, 2014

Hamilton had a “down” season in 2013 when he hit just .250/.307/.432 with 21 home runs in 151 games, but many believe that the left-handed power bat could bounce back in a big way in 2014, and he’ll need to be 100% healthy in order to do that. It is a wildly encouraging sign to see him doing agility work and running sprints, and while Hamilton doesn’t need to be particularly explosive with his feet on the basepaths, a lot of his power can be generated from his lower half.

At his peak, the now 32-year-old Hamilton was an utter monster, blasting 43 home runs and slugging .577 in 2012, and if the Angels can get him back to that lofty place, they will be a terror to deal with for opposing pitchers. We will keep you abreast of the latest with Hamilton, but it appears as if he’s close to a return to the diamond.

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