Angels' Shoemaker To Miss Start With Strained Oblique
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Los Angeles Angels pitcher Matt Shoemaker is expected to miss at least one turn in the rotation because of a mild strain on his left side.
Angels manager Mike Scioscia made the announcement Tuesday, one day after his team became the first in the majors to clinch a playoff spot this season.
Right fielder and cleanup hitter Josh Hamilton returned to the lineup against Seattle, batting sixth for the runaway AL West leaders after missing 11 games because of an injured right shoulder.
Shoemaker, who has set a franchise rookie record with 16 wins, was removed from Monday night's 8-1 victory over the Mariners after 7 2-3 innings and had an MRI. He is 7-0 with a 1.29 ERA in his last eight starts since losing 2-1 to the Dodgers on Aug. 6.
In 20 starts overall, the right-hander is 14-3 with a 2.89 ERA after beginning the season in the bullpen.
First baseman Albert Pujols, who began the day needing three RBIs for his 12th 100-RBI season, also played after leaving Monday's series opener with a cramp in his left hamstring.
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