Josh Hamilton is back in the Angels’ linueup after a ‘needed’ day off.

Josh HamiltonAngels 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.”

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About J.P. Hoornstra

J.P. Hoornstra covers the Dodgers, Angels and Major League Baseball for the Orange County Register, Los Angeles Daily News, Long Beach Press-Telegram, Torrance Daily Breeze, San Gabriel Valley Tribune, Pasadena Star-News, San Bernardino Sun, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, Whittier Daily News and Redlands Daily Facts. Before taking the beat in 2012, J.P. covered the NHL for four years. UCLA gave him a degree once upon a time; when he graduated on schedule, he missed getting Arnold Schwarzenegger's autograph on his diploma by five months.