Josh Hamilton, who makes lots of dough, gives up bread

TEMPE, Ariz. — Josh Hamilton said after his first spring-training workout with the Angels on Tuesday that he’s been juicing — fruits and vegetables, that is.

Hamilton, 31, also cut out bread and processed foods and is eating gluten-free, a diet that helped the team’s new right fielder reduce his weight to 225 pounds, some 20-30 pounds lighter than his usual reporting weight with the Texas Rangers.

“My body feels better,� said Hamilton, a five-time All-Star who signed a five-year, $125-million deal in December. “My energy level is up.�

Hamilton typically entered camp weighing between 245 and 255 pounds, but after playing summers in the stifling heat and humidity of Texas, he’d weigh about 225 by season’s end. A more moderate climate in Anaheim should allow Hamilton to maintain a consistent weight.

“I figured I could come into camp at a weight I feel good at and maintain that all year,� Hamilton said. “In past years, you’d lose all that weight and get tired. Hopefully, I won’t have to battle it all year like I did in Texas.�

The first full-squad workout is Friday, but Hamilton arrived early and took batting practice Tuesday with Albert Pujols, who is recovering from minor knee surgery.

“You don’t want to come out here in stress mode, so I like to get out three or four days before it starts and get a feel for things,� Hamilton said. “It wasn’t weird putting on a new uniform; it was just weird being in a new place with new people.�

Rehab report

Reliever Ryan Madson, shut down for 12 days because of soreness in his surgically repaired right elbow, underwent an MRI test, the results of which should be available Wednesday.

“At this point, it’s standard medical protocol with a player in the midst of rehabilitation,� General Manager Jerry Dipoto said. “We need to be certain of his present status before clearing him to resume throwing.�

Short hops

Though the Angels open exhibition play Feb. 23, a week earlier than normal because of the World Baseball Classic, Manager Mike Scioscia said most regulars won’t play in games until March 1. . . . Hamilton, Pujols and Mike Trout will hold a news conference Thursday that will be carried live by Fox Sports West and MLB Network at noon PST.

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