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Nelson's season in doubt following hamstring strain

ST. PETERSBURG -- Chris Nelson suffered what Angels manager Mike Scioscia said was a "significant" right hamstring strain while running down the first-base line to end the top of the seventh inning on Wednesday, an injury that could sideline the third baseman for the last four and a half weeks of this season.

"When I ran out of the box, I just felt something pull," said Nelson, who was having a hard time walking after the Angels' 4-1 loss to the Rays at Tropicana Field.

Nelson will be placed on the 15-day disabled list on Thursday and third baseman Luis Jimenez is expected to be recalled from Triple-A Salt Lake to take his spot on the roster. Nelson had been the Angels' everyday third baseman since Alberto Callaspo was traded, batting .220 with three homers and 18 RBIs in 33 games.

Peter Bourjos suffered a strained left hamstring earlier this year and missed six weeks.

"It's tough," said Nelson, who nonetheless remained hopeful of a return before the end of September. "That's probably the most frustrating part -- you're getting an opportunity and something like this happens, it just [stinks]."

Jimenez has posted a .261/.293/.361 slash line in 16 games for Triple-A Salt Lake since missing nearly two months with a shoulder injury.

Alden Gonzalez is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Gonzo and "The Show", and follow him on Twitter @Alden_Gonzalez.
Read More: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Chris Nelson