Josh Hamilton injury: Angels slugger planning to return in late May

Los Angeles Angels outfielder Josh Hamilton hopes to return to the field later this month, according to the OC Register's Pedro Moura.

Josh Hamilton took one-handed swings on the field today. He said he expects to be back in the majors the weekend of May 23-25

— Pedro Moura (@pedromoura) May 7, 2014

Hamilton tore the ulna collateral ligament in his left thumb on April 8 and underwent surgery. He was expected to miss six to eight weeks, and although he said he felt as though he "could be good in two weeks," it looks like he'll be back on the early part of the team's projection.

Before hitting the disabled list, Hamilton was hitting .444/.545/.741 with two homers and six runs driven in over 33 plate appearances. After a disappointing debut with the Angels in 2013 -- in which he hit .250/.307/.432 -- he looked as though he could turn things around in Year Two. He still could, despite the surgical setback, but hand injuries can sap power, so there are still some considerable hurdles for him to overcome before returning to his 2010 MVP-level production.

Hamilton has only taken one-handed swings at this point, but he should be gearing up for a rehab assignment soon if he intends to return by May 23.

The Angels are currently 16-17 and in fourth place in the AL West.