Peter Bourjos to Return to Angels’ Outfield This Weekend

Peter Bourjos, the speedy center fielder for the Angels, should return this weekend from a hamstring injury which has kept him sidelined since April 29th. The 26-year-old joins Jered Weaver as recent key players to return from injury for Los Angeles, which is currently in the midst of a four game losing streak, eight games under .500 and in third place in the AL West, 11 games behind the Texas Rangers.

Bourjos offers elite defense and should take full advantage of his speed in left field with Mike Trout in center and Josh Hamilton in right.

Bourjos will replace J.B Shuck, who has filled in admirably since Bourjos has been sidelined. With the return, Mark Trumbo will likely be delegated to DH duties most of the time for the Angels.

Bourjos began his rehab assignment on Monday for his left hamstring, and went 1-3 with an RBI triple for high A Inland Empire, and is expected to work his way through the system throughout the week before returning to the major league field.

The righty was off to a nice start in the month of April, hitting .313/.370 with a pair of homers and six extra base hits in 83 at bats before being sidelined.

There is a chance Bourjos could be moved to center field as he played all five innings there during his first rehab game, and Mike Trout did play corner outfield for a portion of his rookie season in 2012.

With Trout and Hamilton in the outfield, Bourjos is actually the longest tenured Angels outfielder, despite being just 26 years of age. Hamilton was acquired as a Free Agent this past winter.