For the Lulz
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The slugger, who signed a five-year, $125 million deal with LAA in the off-season, finished April with a .204/.252/.296 slash line, two homers, nine RBIs, six walks and 32 strikeouts.
Hamilton's .548 OPS for April was the second-lowest OPS he's ever posted in a month during which he got at least 50 plate appearances. His only worse showing was in July 2009, when he posted a .513 mark. His 32 strikeouts in April were also second worst, topped only by the 35 Ks he had last June.
Throughout his six-year career, Hamilton had never combined for a month in which he OPSed below .750 and posted 30 or more strikeouts... until now. April was also the first month in Hamilton's career during which he had 100 or more plate appearances and still failed to drive in 10 runs.
But are things at least trending up for the former Ranger? Not if you trust early returns in May. Hamilton's OPS through five days this month is an even worse .462. For the season, his .208 batting average ranks 86th out of 100 qualifying American League hitters, while his .551 OPS ranks 94th.