Luis Valbuena out 4-6 weeks with strained hamstring

Per Pedro Moura of the Los Angeles Times, Angels first baseman Luis Valbuena has been diagnosed with a strained right hamstring and will miss 4-6 weeks.

Signed to a two-year deal in January, Valbuena was expected to open the season as the first baseman against right-handers, with C.J. Cron handling the duties against lefties. Expect Cron to play more of an everyday role in April, as Valbuena eyes a hopeful return to the lineup at some point in May. Albert Pujols is expected to strictly DH in 2017. Jefry Marte’s chances at a roster spot also get a boost with the injury.

31-year-old Valbuena is no stranger to hamstring problems. He underwent surgery last August to repair a torn right hamstring, so this new issue obviously is a concern. Valbuena was expected to provide some much-needed left-handed pop for the Halos.