Angels GM: Josh Hamilton could be out a month longer than expected

Different year, same injury-related story for Josh Hamilton.

The Los Angeles Angels outfielder could be out a month longer than initially expected following shoulder surgery earlier this month, general manager Jerry Dipoto revealed to Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times.

Hamilton was given a timeline of eight weeks to resume baseball activities following the Feb. 4 surgery, but a 12-week return now seems more realistic for the oft-injured slugger. That means he'll likely miss all of spring training and quite possibly the first month of the regular season.

"He had a bone shaved down to create less friction in an arthritic shoulder," Dipoto said. "Until he gets on site and on the field, it's tough to determine how long it will take."

Hamilton battled shoulder, chest and rib-cage ailments in September and didn't look healthy despite returning for 13 at-bats in the playoffs.

The 33-year-old, who has three years and over $90 million remaining on his current contract, hit .263 with 10 home runs and 44 RBIs in 89 games in 2014.