Josh Hamilton‘s on-field return with the Texas Rangers is inching closer. The 2010 American League MVP has started playing games in extended spring training, with a rehab assignment on the horizon.
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Hamilton To Join Triple-A Round Rock
Friday, May 8
According to Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Hamilton will begin his rehab assignment with Triple-A Round Rock on Sunday. The report notes the slugger took part in an extended spring training game Friday in which the club found him to be ready for more advanced competition:
The left fielder played Friday in an extended spring game on his 11th day in Surprise, Ariz., and was deemed ready for a higher level of competition after going 1-for-5 with a three-run homer against Seattle. The Rangers have no set plan for how long Hamilton will be with Round Rock.
Rangers manager Jeff Banister is quoted in Wilson’s report as saying Hamilton’s rehab is “about him being in shape and having his legs underneath him and the ability to repeat daily how he feels.”
Hamilton is recovering from right shoulder surgery he had in February that would keep him out for six to eight weeks. He was still with the Los Angeles Angels at the time of the operation but was dealt back to Texas, where he played from 2008-12, on April 27.
The 33-year-old has a well-documented past off the field, but staying on the field has been a problem as well due to injuries throughout his career. The Rangers know Hamilton as well as any team, so they are going to take their time with his rehab to ensure they get the best version of the former All-Star as he looks to reignite his career.
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