Angels' Josh Hamilton undergoes thumb surgery; out 6-to-8 weeks
The Angels on Friday announced Josh Hamilton underwent successful surgery on his left thumb and will be sidelined 6-8 weeks while he recovers from a complete tear of his ulnar collateral ligament.
Hamilton, who was batting .444 with two home runs, six RBI and two doubles in eight games this season, was injured on a headfirst slide into first base Tuesday night against the Mariners.
Friday's surgery was performed by hand and wrist specialist Dr. Steven Shin.
"Anytime you play and you're playing hard and you're having fun, the last thing you want to do is do something that's going to cost you to miss time and maybe hurts your team in the long run," Hamilton told MLB.com before Wednesday's game against the Mariners.
Hamilton update: Scioscia confirms @thejoshhamilton underwent thumb surgery today. We wish you well and a speedy recovery Josh!
— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) April 11, 2014
"If I could see a future, obviously I wouldn't do it. But in the moment, when my mind and my body tells me to do something and react some way, I've always done it. That's what I do. You can't change that."
