TOM WITHERS
AP Sports Writer
CLEVELAND (AP) — Josh Hamilton’s sore right shoulder is better, but not improved enough to get him back on the field.
The Los Angeles outfielder missed his fourth straight game Monday when the Angels played a makeup date against the surging Indians. Hamilton took batting practice and was in the starting lineup Sunday in Minnesota, but was scratched about an hour before the first pitch when his shoulder stiffened.
The AL West-leading Angels had hoped he would play Monday, but manager Mike Scioscia said the slugger isn’t ready.
“He feels much better today and hopefully that will continue tomorrow,” Scioscia said. “He’s still day to day, and we’ll see where he is tomorrow.”
The Angels open a three-game series in Texas on Tuesday.
Hamilton received a cortisone shot in his shoulder Thursday. He’s missed time with several injuries this season, including a sore left knee and torn thumb ligament from a headfirst slide April 8.
Hamilton is batting .263 with 10 homers and 44 RBIs in 88 games. The 2010 AL MVP is in his second season with the Angels.
Collin Cowgill is playing in left for the Angels, who have won four straight and lead second-place Oakland by seven games in the division.
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