Angels' Hamilton takes batting practice, thinks he can return as soon as Wednesday

Los Angeles Angels outfielder Josh Hamilton will miss his 11th consecutive game Monday night, when his team hosts the Seattle Mariners, due to a nagging right shoulder injury.

But Hamilton, who received two cortisone shots in the shoulder last week, was on the field taking swings before the game, the first time he's taken batting practice since being sidelined back on Sept. 4.  

Afterwards, he felt optimistic about his chances of returning to the Angels lineup – if only on the offensive side of the field – before the end of the week. 

A myriad of injuries have limited Hamilton to 88 games this season, during which he's hit .263/.331/.415 with 10 home runs and 21 doubles. 

The Angels have gone 9-1 in the last 10 games without him.