Josh Hamilton News: Pro Sports Daily

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September 30

MLB.com

"The Rangers have shut down Josh Hamilton for the final six games of the season. Hamilton has been dealing with a pinched nerve in his lower back for four weeks and has played in just two games since Sept. 2. He will continue treatment on his back for three or four weeks and then begin his offseason workouts to get ready for next year. "He's shut down," Rangers manager Ron Washington said before Tuesday's game with the Angels. "It just won't go away, so we just decided to let him get his treatment and let it get well." The decision was made after Hamilton met with Washington and trainer Jamie Reed on Tuesday afternoon. "I think it's smart," Hamilton said. "The best I can do is pinch-hit and ..."

Rangers' Hamilton back, looking forward

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September 26

Dallas Morning News

"It took 19 games, but Josh Hamilton was finally back in the starting lineup for the Texas Rangers on Friday night. A pinched nerve in his lower back sidelined Hamilton, who batted third Friday and started at designated hitter, going 0-for-4 with an RBI. While he's been able to hit off and on while dealing with the injury, he wasn't sure what he'd bring to the lineup. "I don't know what to expect physically wise," said Hamilton, who still has some pain in his gluteus muscle. "Obviously a game situation is a little different from batting practice and practice. Hopefully it feels good and I can move forward from there." Moving forward would be a great thing for Hamilton, who has been ..."

Texas Rangers' Hamilton gets a third injection

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September 12

Dallas Morning News

"Josh Hamilton can only hope that Friday's third "root nerve injection" is the charm. The Texas Rangers outfielder flew home Friday night after being treated for lower back pain earlier in the day by Dr. Robert Watkins, a Los Angeles orthopedic surgeon. Watkins also confirmed that Hamilton's injury stems from a pinched nerve. While Jon Daniels couldn't guarantee that Hamilton will make it back before the season ends Oct. 4, the Rangers GM did suggest that a best-case scenario for the slugger's return is next weekend against the AL West-leading Los Angeles Angels. That series will close out the nine-game homestand. When asked if Michael Young (hamstring) might return before Hamilton, ..."

Hamilton likely out another week

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September 11

Dallas Morning News

"Texas outfielder Josh Hamilton received another injection in his back Friday in California and will likely not be back until the Los Angeles series next weekend at the earliest. Hamilton met with Dr. Robert Watkins to get a second opinion on his back. Watkins agreed with the pinched nerve diagnosis of Dr. Drew Dossett and recommended Hamilton wait another week before trying to play."

Hamilton doubtful for rest of Texas Rangers' road trip

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September 7

Dallas Morning News

"The chance that Josh Hamilton will play at all on this six-game road trip became more remote Sunday, when the center fielder returned to Texas to receive a second injection for his ailing back. Hamilton said he has seen only minimal improvement with a pinched nerve that sends pain shooting down his right leg. Massage therapy has helped him to walk better, but he can't accomplish the simple task of standing on only his right leg. He will meet with Dr. Drew Dossett today for a second shot that he hopes will hit the affected area more directly to allow the cortisone to cool the nerve. "If the shot gets on it in the right spot, I'll feel better," Hamilton said. "It might come back in three ..."

Hamilton may rejoin Texas Rangers today

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September 5

Dallas Morning News

"All-Star center fielder Josh Hamilton could join the Rangers today after having too much discomfort in his back Friday to travel to Camden Yards for the series opener. Hamilton had a root-nerve injection Thursday to help alleviate a pinched nerve in his back. But the lingering effect of the epidural prevented Hamilton from making the nearly three-hour flight from Texas. It usually takes the procedure 24 to 48 hours to take effect and for the soreness to dissipate. Manager Ron Wash- ington said he hopes to have Hamilton back today, but his availability is uncertain. "If there's any way for Josh to play when he gets here, he'll play," Washington said. "Hopefully we get him back in there ..."

Rangers' Hamilton has pinched nerve in back

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September 4

Dallas Morning News

"Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton, who took himself out of Wednesday's game after the fourth inning, has been diagnosed with a pinched nerve in his back. Hamilton received a root nerve injection to reduce the inflammation. He will fly to Baltimore today, where trainer Jamie Reed will examine him. Hamilton is listed as day-to-day. The All-Star outfielder has had two stints on the disabled list this season."

Josh Hamilton injury update

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September 3

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"The centerfielder didn't hurt his back with his fourth-inning slide into second base, although that didn't help things. Hamilton said his back starting hurting Sunday after playing on the artificial turf in Minnesota. He's been getting treatment for it all week, and hopes to be in the lineup Friday but he's not sure right now. "I'm doing everything I can to make it feel better," said Hamilton, who doubled and scored before leaving. "It seems like the more I run, the worse it feels. It's good we've got a day off tomorrow.""

Hopefully, it's just a hiccup for Hamilton

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August 11

Houston Chronicle

columnist Richard Justice

"Josh Hamilton slipped at least once and may well slip again. That's the awful truth of life with addiction. Every single day is a fight. A terrible, endless fight that is never won. Consider a life lived one day at a time, one hour at a time against a disease that smothers your heart and soul, chews away at your self-confidence and destroys families, careers, you name it. Rust never sleeps. If you've fought the demons of addiction or if you've had a friend or family member fight the fight, you won't judge Hamilton. You'll pray for him and his family. Addicts have good days and bad days. On the bad days, the demons creep into their brains, sapping their strength, fight, everything. We knew ..."

Teammates show support for Josh Hamilton at news conference

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August 9

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"Josh Hamilton's admission to a lapse in sobriety in January that was captured on camera and shown on the Internet played out similarly to a news conference a spring training in 2008. Hamilton told his story of drug addiction 18 months ago as a group of teammates sat among the media and listened. It was a show of support that was duplicated Saturday as he spoke to the media. Michael Young, Ian Kinsler, Hank Blalock, David Murphy, Kevin Millwood and Jarrod Saltalamacchia were among the players who listened as Hamilton explained what caused him to consume alcohol seven months ago in an Arizona bar. After the media had left, they embraced their teammate to let him know they support him as he ..."

Hamilton's stumble only says his story is unfinished

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August 9

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

columnist Gil Lebreton

"And here we thought the big problem was Josh Hamilton's batting swing. A few more rounds in the batting cage, we were certain, and he'd eventually come around. After all, a year ago, he was Superman. The new Mickey Mantle. Starved for heroes, for someone here and now to pin its future hopes upon, the Texas Rangers' franchise embraced him. And in so doing, we all embraced Josh Hamilton's remarkable story of recovery from the depths of addiction. But the story isn't over, we were reminded Saturday. Hamilton, we discovered, has to answer to the demons inside him every day. The photos that appeared on the Internet aren't really lewd, but they are embarrassing. Hamilton, it appears, has had ..."

Rangers' Hamilton had January relapse

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August 9

Dallas Morning News

"Two-time All-Star Josh Hamilton admitted that he suffered a relapse in his recovery from alcohol abuse nearly seven months ago after pictures of him at an Arizona bar surfaced on the Internet on Saturday. Surrounded by reporters and supported by his Rangers teammates in the visitors' clubhouse at Angel Stadium, Hamilton confessed that he drank to excess one night in January after losing touch with his faith as he trained for the upcoming season. Hamilton said the incident is the only time he hasn't been sober since Oct. 6, 2005, the day he pinpoints as the beginning of his road to recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. [an error occurred while processing this directive] "I'm ..."

Rangers' Hamilton's story of salvation adds a chapter

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August 9

Dallas Morning News

"In a story of ruin and recovery that captured a nation, Josh Hamilton would prove to be his own worst critic. "If I did something stupid, something I shouldn't be doing, it would be all over the nation," he told Sports Illustrated last year. "I would be such a hypocrite, I'd let everyone down." He was right about the first part. The pictures tell a story about what happened on a January night in Tempe, Ariz., when he went out alone, without his friend and Rangers-employed companion, Johnny Narron, got drunk and partied with strangers. But Hamilton was wrong about one thing. Immediately after his relapse, he asked the forgiveness of his wife, Katie, as well as his employers. [an error ..."

Hamilton admits to being drunk in photos

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August 8

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"Josh Hamilton admitted that he suffered a lapse from his sobriety in January and that the photos posted on deadspin.com are indeed him in an Arizona bar drinking and carrying on with women who aren't his wife. He had gone to Arizona before spring training to prepare for the season at Athletes' Performance Institute in Tempe, Ariz. No disciplinary action will be taken by the Rangers, who were told about the incident by Hamilton the day after it happened. Hamilton is in the lineup today. He has not failed a drug test, so while he doesn't remember all the details from that night, it's apparent that he didn't take any banned substances that would lead to a suspension from MLB in violation of ..."

Texas Rangers spotlight: Josh Hamilton

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August 7

Dallas Morning News

"Josh Hamilton knew what the tone of the reporters' questions would be before they were even asked, and so he summed up his performance of late without any urging. "It stinks," he said. But the two-time All-Star is confident that he will lift his batting average back toward respectability after seeing it dip to .220 this week. He said he has more energy and is stronger after he stopped taking medication to treat attention deficit disorder. The medication had reduced his appetite and dropped his weight from 235 pounds to 215. Hamilton has added 10 pounds since, while receiving inspiration from his father-in-law, wife and assorted Bible verses. "It's been frustrating as far as when it's ..."

Hamilton desperately searching for his swing

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July 23

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"Josh Hamilton is afraid. Not shivering in the corner, shaking in his cleats afraid. It's not that kind of fear. Yet it's worse than that in its own way. It's the kind of fear that eats away at a man from the inside out, a rat with a tapeworm, devouring his confidence. It's not something Hamilton will readily admit, mind you. It's certainly nothing he wants to talk to a nosy-Parker reporter about. But the fear is there nonetheless, skulking in the corners of the mind like some foul beast, waiting to pounce on the first shreds of doubt, to feast on any sign of weakness. This does not make the Rangers' All-Star center fielder unique in the annals of baseball. Conquering fear, overcoming loss ..."

If fans say Texas Rangers' Hamilton is an All-Star, let it be

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July 8

Dallas Morning News

columnist Tim Cowlishaw

"There are things I love and things I loathe about Major League Baseball's All-Star Game. That, in itself, sets it apart from its All-Star Game rivals because I don't care to watch the others, and TV ratings suggest that most fans agree with me. The baseball game, by its nature, comes at the right time. The sports scene in July is pretty dead in the United States. If we're tuned in to tennis in England and cycling in France, no matter how great those events, it means it's a slow month over here. So I think it's the "nothing else going on" factor along with the game's tradition that stirs so much debate. Even now, having expanded the rosters to 33 players in each league - file that under ..."

Hamilton gets back in the swing of things with a couple of hits

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July 7

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"The daily task of filling out the lineup card was a little more enjoyable for Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington on Monday afternoon. He had the luxury of writing Josh Hamilton's name in the No. 3 hole for the first time since May 30 as the Rangers activated their All-Star center fielder from the disabled list. The transaction coincided with the start of a three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels to decide first place in the American League West. Hamilton had hits in his first two at-bats and scored the Rangers' second run of the first inning, but the Angels sent Kevin Millwood to his worst outing of the season en route to a 9-4 victory late Monday. The goal now is to get ..."

Hamilton expected to return to Texas Rangers this week

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July 6

Dallas Morning News

"Josh Hamilton is rejoining the Rangers for the start of their series against the Los Angeles Angels tonight. And to make room for him, the team announced that first baseman Chris Davis will be sent down to Triple-A Oklahoma City. "Chris needs to get down there and get things together," Rangers manager Ron Washington said. "Josh has been down there for a few games now, and it's time for him to get back here and helping our team." Davis has struggled at the plate, hitting .202 with 114 strikeouts in 258 at-bats. "It was only a matter of time," he said. "I wasn't making adjustments, and you can't expect them to stick with me all this time. I'm not down about it. It's just kind of a relief to ..."

Texas Rangers' Hamilton hopes to return to lineup Saturday

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July 3

Dallas Morning News

"The search for the missing piece from the Rangers lineup resumed in a state where the best-known ballpark is carved out of a cornfield. But Josh Hamilton was some three hours southwest of the Field of Dreams on Thursday night, instead playing center field for Triple-A Oklahoma City at the 11,000-seat Principal Park. But his field of dreams is Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Hamilton, who is on the disabled list after having surgery to repair a torn abdominal muscle, hopes to resume patrolling center field there and batting third as soon as Saturday. The Rangers will gladly welcome the return of their best run producer, who hit 32 homers last season, drove in 130 runs and has the ability ..."

Hamilton's absence catching up with Rangers

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June 20

Dallas Morning News

"Rangers manager Ron Washington said his team is starting to feel the effects of not having Josh Hamilton in the lineup. In an attempt to kick-start the offense, Washington is dropping Michael Young from second to third in the batting order until Hamilton returns from the disabled list. That puts Elvis Andrus or David Murphy in the No. 2 spot. Andrus batted second Friday against San Francisco left-hander Randy Johnson. Murphy will hit second today. "I don't know if it's a shakeup," Washington said. "The only change is Elvis moves to second and Michael moves down. Now we're beginning to feel Hamilton not in the lineup, and I want to take advantage of the chances with runners in scoring ..."

Pujols, Hamilton remain atop Derby poll

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June 12

MLB.com

"Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton and Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols continued to lead their respective leagues in the State Farm Home Run Derby Fan Poll, according to a Major League Baseball press release Friday. The poll, designed to garner fan participation for the 80th All-Star Game held July 14 in St. Louis, allows fans to vote for the top three players in both the American and National Leagues who they would like to see participate in the event. Pujols leads the NL, while Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard moved into the No. 2 spot, with Brewers first baseman Prince Fielder dropping to third."

Josh Hamilton to miss four to six weeks

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June 9

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"It's not often that the prospect of surgery is described as great news, but that's how manager Ron Washington felt after getting word that All-Star centerfielder Josh Hamilton would have surgery this morning. Hamilton will undergo a procedure in Philadelphia to repair a partial tear in his abdominal muscle. Hamilton is expected to miss four to six weeks. "It's great because we thought it would be longer," Washington said. "We could have been out with him until September. At least now it looks like we'll have a chance after the All-Star break to have him back." The surgery will be performed by Dr. William Meyers, who did similar procedures on Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb ..."

Texas Rangers' Hamilton seeks second opinion

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June 4

Dallas Morning News

"Center fielder Josh Hamilton will meet with hernia specialist Dr. William Meyers on Monday in Philadelphia for a second opinion on an abdominal strain that effectively is a sports hernia. Hamilton was placed on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday for an injury he initially suffered May 17. The Rangers are treating Hamilton with rest and anti-inflammatory medication with the hope that he can avoid surgery. If surgery is required, Hamilton could be out until September. Harrison update: Left-hander Matt Harrison will head to Frisco on Saturday for a rehab start, assuming he doesn't suffer a setback today while playing catch. That doesn't seem likely after he threw a 50-pitch bullpen session ..."

Rangers' Hamilton may miss months with sports hernia

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June 3

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"An MRI and a visit with a specialist revealed that Josh Hamilton effectively has a sports hernia, and the Texas Rangers' center fielder could be out until September in a worst-case scenario. For now, the Rangers have placed their All-Star on the 15-day disabled list with a right abdominal strain. The injury was originally diagnosed as a groin strain after Hamilton crashed into the center-field wall at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on May 17. He will seek a second opinion in the coming days, assistant general manager Thad Levine said Tuesday before the Rangers were routed 12-3 in the first of three games this week at Yankee Stadium. The hope is that the injury responds to rest and ..."

Hamilton hits DL; Texas Rangers pitchers pounded in 12-3 loss

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June 3

Dallas Morning News

"An MRI and a visit with a specialist revealed that Josh Hamilton effectively has a sports hernia, and the Rangers' center fielder could be out until September under a worst-case scenario. The Rangers placed the All-Star outfielder on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday afternoon with a right abdominal strain. Later, Rangers pitchers were pounded for 13 hits, including three homers, in a 12-3 loss to the New York Yankees. Hamilton's injury was originally diagnosed as a groin strain after he crashed into the center-field wall at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on May 17. He will seek a second opinion, assistant general manager Thad Levine said. The hope is that the injury responds to rest and ..."

Rays' pick of Josh Hamilton over Josh Beckett is looking smarter 10 years later

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June 1

St. Petersburg Times

columnist John Romano

"Josh Beckett or Josh Hamilton? Once, it was the only question that mattered in Tampa Bay. Two phenomenal talents, and one chance for the Devil Rays to get it right. Should they draft the smart-aleck pitcher from Texas, or the gee-whiz outfielder from North Carolina? Ten years later, it is obvious Tampa Bay put its faith in the wrong player. But 10 years from now, will that still be true? On the outside, he was noncommittal. Secretly, general manager Chuck LaMar was leaning toward Beckett. This was early in the process, long before a decision would have to be made. LaMar wanted to keep it to himself because he did not want anyone else in the organization to be influenced by what the ..."

Hamilton to have MRI, may go on DL

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June 1

Dallas Morning News

"Outfielder Josh Hamilton is scheduled to have an MRI today on his midsection after not starting Sunday. Hamilton pinch hit in the ninth inning and singled off Andrew Bailey, but was replaced by a pinch runner. Hamilton will meet Tuesday with Dr. John Preskitt, who performed surgery on Ian Kinsler last season after he had a sports hernia. General manager Jon Daniels said Hamilton is seeing Preskitt so the Rangers can rule out a hernia. After the appointment, Hamilton is flying to New York to join the team. Hamilton is hoping to avoid a second trip to the disabled list this season. "We'll know in the next couple of days," Hamilton said. "Right now I'm hurt and sore and can't run.""

Rangers' Josh Hamilton catches some of the pregame Christian-music concert

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May 31

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"Josh Hamilton was a busy man before Saturday's game. After taking batting practice, Hamilton left the stadium to take in a little of the Casting Crowns concert outside Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. The Texas Rangers' All-Star outfielder also addressed the fans watching the concert of the Atlanta-based Christian band. "I'm telling everyone about Jesus and how great he is and what he's done for my life," said Hamilton, who did something similar last year when MercyMe played a concert at the ballpark. The Casting Crowns concert was sponsored by I Am Second, a program designed to help people discover their purpose in life. Hamilton has been involved with that program for nearly a year. He's ..."

Texas Rangers want Josh Hamilton back as soon as possible

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May 22

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"Manager Ron Washington and bench coach Jackie Moore stood next to the batting cage as Josh Hamilton took batting practice Thursday before the Texas Rangers lost their third straight game to the Detroit Tigers. The Rangers need Hamilton back in the lineup. Washington said he expects Hamilton to return today after missing the Detroit series with a strained right groin, but the All-Star center fielder said Saturday might be more realistic. The injured groin was wrapped as Hamilton also shagged flyballs, threw to the bases and ran at 70 percent effort without major discomfort. He said he had made significant gains since Thursday, but might need the same improvement to be able to play tonight ..."

Josh Hamilton still not healthy

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May 21

Dallas Morning News

"Josh Hamilton was out of the Rangers lineup again Wednesday, and he's not sure when he'll be back patrolling center field. The answer could come within the next few games after he pinch hit in the ninth inning, but the All-Star called himself "day-to-day" after he tested his strained right groin for the first time since injuring it Sunday. Hamilton hit in the batting cages at Comerica Park and faced live pitching against Frank Francisco. But Hamilton felt discomfort around the injured area, not in the groin specifically, while jogging. That was enough to keep him out of the lineup for a second straight game. "I swung and felt fine swinging," said Hamilton, who flied out to right in the ..."

Hamilton remains 'day-to-day' with groin injury

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May 21

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"Josh Hamilton was out of the Texas Rangers' lineup again Wednesday night, and he doesn't seem sure when he'll be back patrolling center field. The answer could be within the next few games after he pinch-hit in the ninth inning, but the All-Star called himself "day-to-day" on a day when he tested his strained right groin for the first time since injuring it Sunday. Hamilton hit in the batting cages at Comerica Park and faced live pitching against Frank Francisco. But Hamilton felt discomfort around the injured area, not in the groin specifically, while jogging, and that was enough to keep him out of the lineup for a second straight game. "I swung and felt fine swinging," Hamilton said. ..."

Hamilton unlikely to return to DL

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May 20

MLB.com

"Josh Hamilton sat out Tuesday's series opener at Comerica Park with a sore groin muscle, but the injury shouldn't force the Rangers slugger to endure another disabled-list stint. He is listed as day-to-day. Marlon Byrd filled in for Hamilton in center field, while David Murphy got his second straight start in left. "It's just sore," Hamilton said Tuesday afternoon. "It feels better than yesterday, so that's a good sign. I'd like to play tomorrow, but we'll see." Hamilton, who won the American League RBI crown last season, exited Sunday's home game against the Angles after crashing into the right-center-field wall to make a leaping catch. He reported a strained right groin muscle afterward, ..."

Rangers' Hamilton out of lineup with groin injury

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May 20

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"Every indication is that the strained right groin suffered Sunday by Josh Hamilton is not as severe as the rib cage injury that put him on the disabled earlier this month. But the lingering soreness was bad enough Tuesday to keep him out of the lineup and could limit him throughout the three-game series against the Tigers. Manager Ron Washington downplayed the severity of the injury, saying Hamilton could have stayed in the game Sunday after hurting himself after jumping into the outfield wall to snare a Howie Kendrick drive in the seventh inning. "It feels better than it did [Monday], so that's a good sign," Hamilton said. "I'm never thinking DL [disabled list]. I'd like to play [today], ..."

Hamilton sits out Tuesday's Texas Rangers game

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May 20

Dallas Morning News

"Every indication is that the strained right groin suffered Sunday by Josh Hamilton is not as severe as the ribcage injury that put him on the disabled earlier this month. But the lingering soreness was bad enough Tuesday to keep him out of the lineup and could limit him throughout the three-game series at Comerica Park. Manager Ron Washington downplayed the severity of the injury, saying Hamilton could have stayed in the game Sunday after hurting himself when he jumped into the outfield wall to snare a Howie Kendrick drive in the seventh inning. "It feels better than it did yesterday, so that's a good sign," Hamilton said. "I'm never thinking DL. I'd like to play tomorrow, but we'll just ..."

Blalock's two-run double completes Rangers' rally

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May 14

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"Timely hitting is the third part of Marlon Byrd's sure-fire formula for winning baseball, a key ingredient along with good pitching and good defense. The Texas Rangers had received good enough pitching and more dazzling defense from Elvis Andrus on Wednesday, but they were only 1-for-11 with runners in scoring position with one out in the 11th inning. Hank Blalock, though, ended the futility and kept the first-place Rangers on a roll. The designated hitter laced a one-out double that scored Michael Young from second and a hard-charging Josh Hamilton from first, and the Rangers rallied to beat the Seattle Mariners 6-5. Blalock's hit made a two-time walk-off loser at Rangers Ballpark of ..."

Josh Hamilton's blast sets off Texas Rangers' charge

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May 13

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"Of course, the Texas Rangers missed Josh Hamilton while he was on the 15-day disabled list. They missed his presence in the heart of their lineup and his ability to change a game with one swing, even though they went 9-4 while the All-Star center fielder was sidelined with a strained muscle in his rib cage. Hamilton and that powerful left-handed swing were back at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on Tuesday, and he wasted little time in reminding everyone what the Rangers had been missing. His two-run, opposite-field homer jump-started a six-run seventh, and Derek Holland picked up the first win of his career in the Rangers' 7-1 victory over Seattle. "Any time you can make a play or do ..."

Healed Hamilton homers in Texas Rangers' rout

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May 13

Dallas Morning News

"Of course, the Rangers missed Josh Hamilton while he was on the 15-day disabled list. They missed his presence in the heart of their lineup and his ability to change a game with one swing, even though they went 9-4 while the All-Star center fielder was sidelined with a strained muscle in his rib cage. Hamilton and his powerful left-handed swing were back at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on Tuesday, and he wasted little time in reminding everyone what the Rangers had been missing. His two-run, opposite-field home run jump-started a six-run seventh, and Derek Holland picked up the first victory of his career in the Rangers' 7-1 victory over Seattle. "Any time you can make a play or do ..."

Josh Hamilton declares himself ready to rejoin Rangers lineup

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May 12

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"Two games for Triple A Oklahoma City have convinced Josh Hamilton that he is healthy enough to return to the Texas Rangers' lineup, but he has realized that he might not be needed. The Rangers were 9-4 without their All-Star center fielder in the lineup, and they will be in first place tonight when they activate him from the 15-day disabled list. "I told them I'd be happy to stay on the DL if they would keep winning," Hamilton said Monday, before closing out a quick rehab assignment. "If I come back and we start losing, they can sit me on the bench and we'll do this again." Bet on Hamilton batting third and playing center field against the Seattle Mariners in the first of six consecutive ..."

Hamilton closer to return

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May 7

Dallas Morning News

"Center fielder Josh Hamilton was thrilled to participate in the mundane task of shagging fly balls as the Rangers took batting practice at McAfee Coliseum on Wednesday. "I'm very excited about shagging," Hamilton said. "Usually, you're like, 'Ugh.' But shagging will help me condition a little." It was another sign that his injured rib cage is improving. He also went through a core and abdominal workout, and took his first swings since going on the disabled list Friday. Hamilton also has come down with a cold, and his ribs have handled all the coughing without any pain. Hamilton said the progress tells him that he will be in the starting lineup Tuesday, the earliest he would be eligible ..."

Texas Rangers' Hamilton plays catch

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May 5

Dallas Morning News

"All-Star center fielder Josh Hamilton played catch Monday at Safeco Field, his first baseball activity since going on the disabled list last week. He said he could be swinging a bat by Wednesday, but playing catch wasn't as simple as it sounds. The throwing part wasn't a problem, but Hamilton felt some soreness in his injured ribs while reaching for throws back to him. "I didn't expect to not feel anything," Hamilton said. "I'd say I felt about 85 percent. I'm right where I thought I'd be." The soonest Hamilton can be activated from the disabled list is Monday, the Rangers' first off day since April 20. He was injured the next day at Toronto and hasn't played since pinch-hitting April 26 ..."

Texas Rangers put Hamilton on DL

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May 2

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"Take note of the outfielders the Texas Rangers had in their lineup Friday night against the Chicago White Sox. They will be on the field often while Josh Hamilton is on the 15-day disabled list. The Rangers placed their All-Star center fielder on the DL with a strained muscle in his left rib cage. The move is retroactive to Monday, and the earliest Hamilton can be activated is May 12. He missed his fourth consecutive game Friday as the Rangers suffered their second straight loss, 4-3, at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Scott Feldman saw his second bid for the starting rotation flame out, though he was nearly flawless through five innings, and Andruw Jones, in the lineup because Hamilton is ..."

Rangers' Hamilton better but not sure when he'll return to lineup

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May 1

Dallas Morning News

"All-Star outfielder Josh Hamilton felt better Thursday but still doesn't know when he'll be back in the lineup. "I'm good ... better," Hamilton said. "That doesn't mean that if I got in here and swung that I wouldn't be right back to where I was." Hamilton has not played since Sunday because of a strained intercostal muscle in his left rib cage. He's been on medication since seeing team doctor Keith Meister on Tuesday and said the pain is localized to his back. "He's better today than he was [Wednesday], and he's better than he was the day before, so the medicine seems to be working," Rangers manager Ron Washington said. "We're going to go day-by-day and see if they can assess how much ..."

Hamilton still fending off trip to DL

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April 30

MLB.com

"Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton, sidelined with a strained rib cage muscle, continues to show enough improvement to avoid the disabled list, but he is still not ready to return to the lineup. Hamilton, who is getting daily treatment, was out of the lineup again Thursday against the Athletics, and he is not optimistic about being able to play this weekend against the White Sox. "Probably not," Hamilton said. "It's getting better ... not doing any baseball activities, I'm probably feeling 60 percent better. That doesn't mean that if I started swinging the bat, I wouldn't go back to where I was before." Hamilton, who sustained the injury April 21 in Toronto, last started Saturday against ..."

Rangers' Hamilton says sore ribs are improving

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April 30

Dallas Morning News

"Josh Hamilton said the medicine he got for his ailing left ribcage has helped, and he hopes to avoid a trip to the disabled list. Hamilton worked out during Tuesday's game, and received treatment for his strained muscle Wednesday prior to the rainout against Oakland. He did not participate in any baseball activities and wasn't in the original lineup. Manager Ron Washington said that he doesn't want to put Hamilton on the disabled list if he would be healthy any time in the next week. "Just his presence is important, so if we can have his presence around here, that's great," Washington said. Hamilton, who hurt his ribs April 21 in Toronto, said he had a similar injury on his right side ..."

Hamilton won't play tonight

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April 28

Dallas Morning News

"Josh Hamilton will not play again tonight, and will meet with team doctor Keith Meister because of his sore rib cage. Hamilton has not ruled out a trip to the disabled list."Frustration was a couple of days after it happened," said Hamilton, who hurt himself last Tuesday. "I didn't feel like it was getting any better. Now I can't do anything about it but treatment and have Dr. Meister look at it and tell me what is wrong with it.""

Hamilton hits two homers as Rangers beat Angels

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March 30

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"Josh Hamilton homered in each of the first two innings, and shortstop Elvis Andrus went 2-for-3 and wowed with his glove as the Rangers topped their division rival. Chris Davis and Taylor Teagarden also had home runs. But Hamilton, who had a two-run homer in the first and a three-run shot in the second, said he finally feels comfortable at the plate after working all spring on a new swing and also trying to harness his mental approach. "I've been waiting for the wheels to stop spinning in my head," said Hamilton, who has five homers and is hitting .377. "It's been a gradual thing about me relaxing at the plate." Andrus robbed the speedy Chone Figgins twice. He went into the hole and fired ..."

Josh Hamilton leads Rangers past the Angels

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March 30

Los Angeles Times

"Josh Hamilton hit a pair of home runs, a two-run shot in the first inning and a three-run blast in the second, off right-hander Sean O'Sullivan to lead the Texas Rangers to a 13-7 victory over the Angels in exhibition play on Sunday. Vladimir Guerrero, recovering from surgery on his right knee, played seven innings in right field and hit a pair of doubles for the Angels. Torii Hunter hit his fourth homer in his past four games, a two-run shot in the sixth. Taylor Teagarden hit a three-run homer in the seventh inning off Angels reliever Jason Bulger, and Chris Davis hit a solo shot off Angels left-hander Darren Oliver in the fifth. Oliver, a starting pitcher earlier in his career, threw ..."

Texas Rangers need to sign Hamilton long-term now

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March 28

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"He'd only been in camp a few days last spring when Josh Hamilton realized that he'd come home. It had been a long trip, a journey Hamilton has since chronicled in his autobiography, Beyond Belief, but Josh knew he'd arrived in the right place when he looked up during a news conference called so that he could tell his story to the media and saw three Texas Rangers teammates — Michael Young, Hank Blalock and Ian Kinsler — sitting in their uniforms in the back of the room in silent support. They barely knew him, yet here they were, taking the time and making the effort to let him know they had his back. They wanted to hear his story first hand, too. It was enough to make a grown man cry, so ..."