Seattle, WA (SportsNetwork.com) - Josh Hamilton's head-first slide into first base will sideline the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim slugger the next 6-to-8 weeks.
The team announced Wednesday Hamilton will undergo thumb surgery and called up outfielder J.B. Shuck from Triple-A Salt Lake to take his place on the roster.
Hamilton, who is coming off a disappointing first season in Anaheim, hit a chopper to shortstop in the seventh inning of Tuesday's game against the Mariners and tried beating the throw to first by sliding in head first.
He was called out on a bang-bang play and stayed in the game until Ian Stewart pinch-hit for him in the ninth inning with two men on base. Stewart struck out in what turned into a 5-3 loss for the Angels.
Hamilton was off to a good start over the first eight games, hitting .444 with a pair of homers, seven runs scored and six RBI. The 32-year-old batted a career-low .250 last season.
[SportsNetwork.com]
