MRI reveals inflammation in Hamilton's right ankle

By Alden Gonzalez and William Boor

July 23, 2013

ANAHEIM -- Josh Hamilton's sore right ankle kept him out of the lineup for a second straight day on Tuesday and a follow-up MRI revealed that the Angels outfielder has some inflammation that could keep him out for one or two more games.

Hamilton doesn't believe he'll be out any longer than that, though.

"I don't have any concern," he said when asked if this could be a long-term injury. "Usually you know when something is wrong, and I don't have any inclination that it is. It should be good in a couple of days."

Hamilton, who says he mysteriously hurt the ankle when he got out of bed on Monday morning, saw an orthopedist later on Tuesday and was given a cortisone shot that will keep him out of action for the next couple of days.

Hamilton, batting .223 with 14 homers and 41 RBIs, has started 87 of the Angels' 98 games, also missing time due to minor injuries in his right wrist and lower back, plus a bout with sinus congestion.

"He is feeling a little better than he did yesterday," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said of Hamilton's ankle, "so hopefully it'll be day to day."

Alden Gonzalez is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Gonzo and "The Show", and follow him on Twitter @Alden_Gonzalez. William Boor is an associate reporter for MLB.com.