Angels outfielder Josh Hamilton was scratched from Thursday night's game due to back spasms, which is the second game he has been scratched from this week.

Mark Trumbo took Hamilton's spot in right field, and is batting fourth tonight against the Dodgers. Chris Nelson was added to the lineup as the designated hitter, and Albert Pujols slid from DH to first base.

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Hamilton is hitting just .219 with eight home runs this season, and has struggled to find a rhythm at the plate. After signing with the Angels this offseason, Hamilton has not lived up to the lofty expectations that were set for him and the rest of the Angels team.

Hamilton is not the only Angels slugger to deal with an injury this year, as Albert Pujols has been dealing with nagging injuries that have hindered him throughout the year. An injury to Hamilton is the last thing that struggling manager Mike Scioscia needs while trying to turn his team's season around.

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Hamilton hit a career-high 43 home runs last season for the Rangers, but had some poor games down the stretch that left a sour taste in the mouths of many.

It is unclear what the severity of the back spasms are, but back spasms can linger and nag at times, which would not be beneficial for the slumping slugger.

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