BOSTON (AP) — Los Angeles Angels outfielder Josh Hamilton is out of the lineup again for Monday night’s game against the Red Sox, a day after asking for a day off.

Angels manager Mike Scioscia said that Hamilton needs another day to relax and he would be coming to the park early Tuesday to work on things.

“He’s going to come out early Tuesday, work on a couple of things and hopefully be ready to go,” Scioscia said. “Just a day to kind of rest and hopefully move towards that goal.”

Hamilton is hitting .266 with eight homers and 35 RBIs. He has just two homers and three RBIs this month.

Scioscia feels the 2010 AL MVP has lost confidence and understands the team needs his production in the middle of the order.

“I think it brings a lot of attention to what you’re trying to do when a guy you’re counting on to hit in the middle of your lineup is struggling for a prolonged period of time,” he said. “I think we have every confidence, and I know Josh does, that he’ll find it and contribute in what we need him to do.”

Hamilton asked to have Sunday’s series finale against Texas off. Scioscia said he expects him to be in the lineup Tuesday.

Before the Angels played in Texas, Hamilton went 3 for 25 on a homestand. Strangely, he’s hitting .160 over his last 20 home games, but .307 in his last 18 on the road.

Scioscia thinks the extra early work will help get him back in the lineup for Tuesday’s game at Fenway Park.

Nationals sign Schierholtz to minor league deal

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Washington Nationals agreed to a minor league deal with Nate Schierholtz on Monday and assigned the veteran outfielder to Triple-A Syracuse.

General manager Mike Rizzo said the Nationals have been interested in Schierholtz for years.

“With Nate McLouth on the shelf for longer than we expected, we thought it was a good pickup,” Rizzo said.

McLouth has been out since Aug. 2 with right shoulder inflammation. The lefty-hitting outfielder was scheduled to undergo an Arthrogram - an MRI procedure that involves dye being injected into the joint - on Monday to help determine the extent of his injury.

Diamondbacks recall reliever Will Harris
from Reno

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Arizona Diamondbacks have recalled right-hander Will Harris from Triple-A Reno and optioned right-hander Bradin Hagens to their top farm club.

General manager Kevin Towers made the announcement Monday prior to Arizona’s game at Washington.

This will be Harris’ third stint with Arizona this season. He’s 0-2 with a 9.24 ERA in 12 relief appearances. In 73 career games with the Diamondbacks, Harris is 4-3 with a 4.13 ERA

The 29-year-old Harris was 3-2 with one save and a 0.99 ERA in 43 games this season with Reno.

Hagens, 25, made his major league debut Aug. 14 at Miami, and went 0-1 with a 3.38 ERA in two relief appearances.