Josh Hamilton looks to have strong finish with Angels

Josh Hamilton, who hasn’t played the outfield since Aug. 27 and took a cortisone injection in his sore left shoulder on Aug. 28, threw at 100% Friday and is expected to return to the Angels outfield soon.

Hamilton has been a huge disappointment after signing a five-year, $125-million deal last December, his average hovering around the .220 mark for the first four months and his power numbers (19 homers, 62 RBIs, .422 slugging percentage) way down from his career averages.

But Hamilton had two hits in Thursday night’s 6-2 win over Tampa Bay and has hit .337 (30 for 89) over his last 24 games, raising his average to a season-high .238 entering Friday night’s game against the Texas Rangers. Does he feel as if he’s been able to salvage his season?

“No, I wouldn’t say that,” Hamilton said. “I guess you can say it’s a small victory, that’s the best way to describe it. I want to finish strong as far as finding some comfort and consistency.”

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