Hamilton is DH again to stay fresh for stretch

ANAHEIM -- Josh Hamilton started at designated hitter on Tuesday for the second straight day, and third of the last four, due to "a little tightness [in his legs] that we're just trying to get over," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. The veteran outfielder didn't mention an injury when speaking with reporters prior to Scioscia's daily media session, however, saying he felt good enough to play the field and took the start at DH simply because it was available.

"Why not?" Hamilton said before going 0-for-3 with a walk and two strikeouts in the Angels' 4-2 loss to the Orioles. "Get it when you can."

Hamilton, batting .293/.372/.434, has DH'd in seven of his 51 starts this season and sees his recent time there as a preventive measure that can ensure he stays fresh for the stretch run. So, on days like Tuesday, when Albert Pujols doesn't need to DH, Hamilton will oftentimes consider utilizing it to take some of the burden off his lower half.

It's something the 33-year-old has learned to embrace.

"I used to hate it because I didn't know what to do to get ready or prepared [for at-bats], that sort of thing," Hamilton said. "But as you start doing it a little more, you start to get it, figure out what you need to do. It's all good."