:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/31396767/482826929.0.jpg)
Angels outfielder Josh Hamilton will miss six to eight weeks due to a completely torn ulnar collateral ligament and a torn capsule in his left thumb, according to the LA Times' Mike DiGiovanna. The injury will require surgery and an often troublesome rehab program.
The injury is sometimes called Skier's thumb or Gamekeeper's thumb.
Hamilton has already been placed on the 15-day disabled list, but he will miss two months recovering from the operation, maybe more.
The injury couldn't have come at a worse time for the Angels. Hamilton seemed to finally be tapping into one of the otherworldly hitting streaks he used to unleash on them with the Rangers. In 33 plate appearances this season, the 32-year-old hit .444/.545/.741 with two homers and a 255 wRC+. Clearly, those numbers aren't sustainable over a full season, but a batting line like that over any eight games stretch is definitely noteworthy.
J.B. Shuck will take over for Hamilton in left field. The Angels recalled him from Triple-A in a corresponding roster move. Shuck, 26, saw significant time for the Angels last season, hitting .293/.331/.366 with three home runs and eight stolen bases over 478 plate appearances.