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Hamilton on crutches with left calf strain

TEMPE, Ariz. -- Outfielder Josh Hamilton strained his left calf during a baserunning drill on Tuesday morning and will have to be off his feet for at least the next few days. Hamilton, sporting crutches in the Angels' clubhouse, said it "grabbed me good," but that he's "not concerned about it."

For now, he will "ease off for a couple days and then reassess where we're at; play it by ear and go a week at a time."

Asked if his recovery will take weeks or days, Hamilton said: "If you ask me in four to five days, I'll know better. But right now, I can't tell you. We have to get it to the point that the spasm releases, and we can reassess and evaluate it good."

Hamilton couldn't straighten out his leg while talking to reporters and said he'll have to use the crutches "for a couple days."

Coming off a down 2013 season, the first of a five-year, $125 million contract with the Angels, Hamilton had put himself back at his customary 240 pounds, and many in camp were raving about how much better his swing looked.

The latest setback hasn't diminished Hamilton's optimism about 2014.

"It is going to be a great year," he said. "I know it is. I believe it is. There have been times in the past where I tweaked something in Spring Training and missed a week and had a great year. I have a good attitude about what's ahead."

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, Josh Hamilton