Worth noting

• Outfielder Josh Hamilton (surgery on left thumb) expects to have the cast removed from his hand by the end of this week and will partake in baseball activities (throwing, swinging) next week.

"He's ahead of the curve, making a lot of progress," Scioscia said.

Hamilton underwent surgery on April 11 to repair a complete tear of the ulnar collateral ligament in the thumb. His timetable to return was set at six to eight weeks.

• Outfielder Kole Calhoun (sprained right ankle) played catch before Monday's game. He sustained the injury on April 15 against Oakland, when his ankle rolled over just after he cleared first base while running out a grounder.

"He's out of the boot and walking around, but he's still sore," Scioscia said.

• Ian Stewart started at third base again on Monday, with David Freese serving as the DH.

The Angels have just 12 active position players, and Scioscia said that Stewart -- who is a backup at first, second and left field -- can be moved more easily from third base than from the DH spot.