Josh Hamilton’s recent hot streak landed him back in the cleanup spot Tuesday. The Angels right fielder entered the series against St. Louis 9 for his last 21, having raised his average 16 points in the last week to .223.

Is Hamilton willing to say he has finally turned a corner?

“I wouldn’t say that,” he said. “Give me a month. I’ll give you a better answer.

“Hopefully the pitch recognition will stay and I’ll keep having better at-bats. That’s all you want to do is have better at-bats, get on base any way you can, try to help the team.”

After going 5 for his last 35, a slumping Mark Trumbo was dropped to sixth in the order behind Howie Kendrick.