Angels manager Mike Scioscia offered some clarification Monday for Josh Hamilton‘s somewhat unexpected day off Sunday against the New York Yankees.
Hamilton reportedly didn’t know he was sitting out the 6-5 loss, while Scioscia said it was previously scheduled.
“Josh knew we were going to try to stay away from him,” he said. “Trust me, he needed a day.”
Physically or mentally?
“Both.”
Hamilton, who is batting .213 this season, was passed over as a possible pinch hitter in the ninth inning Sunday in favor of Brad Hawpe and J.B. Shuck.
Monday, Hamilton was penciled into the second spot in the lineup against the Seattle Mariners.
Asked if Hamilton could continue to play through his physical issues this week, Scioscia said uninspiringly, “I hope so.”