Hamilton not in starting lineup, but feeling better

MILWAUKEE -- Josh Hamilton was out of the starting lineup for the third straight game on Sunday, but his left shoulder was feeling a lot better, his migraines had mostly subsided, and he's expected to return to the Angels' lineup for the start of a seven-game homestand on Monday.

Hamilton had been nursing a sore shoulder since the end of last week, prompting him be slotted as the designated hitter for three games against the Rays in the previous series.

On Friday, before the start of an Interleaguse set against the Brewers at Miller Park, Hamilton threw from about 90 feet, was still a little sore, then returned to the team hotel around the second inning because he was dealing with what he called "a tremendous migraine." On Saturday, he stayed away from throwing, took some light batting practice and pinch-hit in the top of the ninth. He lined a double, and scored on Hank Conger's go-ahead two-run homer, before getting taken out for defense in the bottom half of the frame.

Then, on Sunday morning, he threw again with outfield coach Dino Ebel and said the shoulder was back to feeling normal and his headaches had mostly gone away. The 32-year-old outfielder -- batting .333 over his last 19 games -- felt good enough to be in the starting lineup for the series finale, but Angels manager Mike Scioscia opted to play it safe and keep him out an extra day.

In the seventh inning of the Angels' 5-3 win, Hamilton pinch-hit, was intentionally walked, scored from first and came right out of the game.