Angels’ Josh Hamilton could return Wednesday as designated hitter

Josh Hamilton, who has missed 10 games because of a right-shoulder injury that was severe enough to warrant three cortisone injections from Sept. 4-9, was so encouraged by a workout Monday that the Angels left fielder believes he can return as a designated hitter Wednesday night.

“Hopefully this is a breakthrough day for him as far as his health,” Manager Mike Scioscia said before Monday night’s game against the Seattle Mariners in Angel Stadium. “His workout was incredible. He was running well and swinging the bat great. There’s no doubt he’s close to being able to DH.

Scioscia was so concerned about Hamilton’s lack of progress last week that he could not rule out the possibility that the outfielder might not return by the end of the regular season. But after Monday’s workout, Scioscia said, “We’re in a day-to-day status with him.”

Hamilton did some tee work with assistant hitting coach Dave Hansen before taking three rounds of early batting practice on the field and running the bases.

“There’s no pain — it’s just a little sore and tight — but it’s all good,” Hamilton said. “It’s definitely moving in the right direction. If I do tomorrow what I did today and it feels good the next day, I wouldn’t see a problem playing Wednesday night, at least as a DH.”

Hamilton hasn’t resumed throwing, because that’s how he aggravated the shoulder last week in Texas, so it could be another week or so before he returns to the field.

When Hamilton does return to the lineup, it won’t be in his customary cleanup spot, which Howie Kendrick has filled quite well in Hamilton’s absence. The Angels had a 10-game win streak snapped by Houston on Sunday and can clinch a playoff spot with a win Monday night.

“He’ll most likely be in a spot where he can get some at-bats without carrying the burden of hitting in the middle of the lineup,” Scioscia said. “But at some point, we know our lineup needs him in the middle.”

Hamilton has no problem with being dropped in the order.

“Leave Howie where’s at, leave all the guys who have been swinging the bat well where they’re at and fit me in somewhere,” Hamilton said. “I just want to enjoy the ride, enjoy winning, enjoy being around this group of guys and try to contribute where I can.”

Hamilton is also not concerned about going two weeks without seeing live pitching. During his 2010 American League most-valuable-player season in Texas, Hamilton missed most of September because of cracked ribs.

He returned for the final three regular-season games and homered off then-Angels pitcher Ervin Santana in his second game back. After hitting .111 (two for 18) in the division series against Tampa Bay, Hamilton hit .350 (seven for 20) with four homers and seven RBIs in the AL Championship Series against Detroit.

“I’ve seen a lot of live pitching, so in 10 days, you’re probably not going to be as bad as people think,” said Hamilton, who is batting .263 with 10 homers and 44 RBIs in 88 games this season.

“It will be like spring training. I’m going to have the same approach. Have good at-bats, see pitches, barrel balls up, don’t get caught up in the numbers. Hopefully, it will be like 2010, where I’ll get a couple hits in the division series and go off in the ALCS.”