It's definitely tough to lose one of your big dogs

"It's definitely tough to lose one of your big dogs, your four-hole hitter, a guy who is a huge presence in the lineup and clubouse," third baseman David
Freese said. "But these things happen. We'll battle through it. Guys will step up. We'll be all right."

Hamilton thought he jammed the thumb and he remained in the game for two innings defensively before being pulled in the ninth inning for pinch-hitter Ian
Stewart, who struck out with two runners on base.

"When I went to the outfield and gripped the ball and threw the first one 30 feet to the left of where I was aiming, that was an indication something might
be wrong," Hamilton said. "I went underneath and swung the bat a few times and just didn't have what I needed to go up there."

In Hamilton's absence, the Angels will likely platoon Shuck and Collin Cowgill in left field and bat Freese cleanup. Kole Calhoun moved from leadoff to sixth
against Mariners left-hander Roenis Elias on Wednesday, but Scioscia said he will keep Calhoun at the top of the order most of the time.

What the Angels will have difficulty replacing is Hamilton's power and the threat he poses every time he steps into the batter's box.

"It's definitely unfortunate, but I think as a team you have to be deep enough to absorb injuries to players," Scioscia said. "Josh is a special talent who
is off to a great start for us, and we'll do our best to fill that void until he gets back."