Rangers' left-field competition underway with Josh Hamilton headed to DL

Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton will begin the regular season on the disabled list, in perhaps the least surprising news of spring training thus far.

Hamilton, who was limited to 50 games last season and 89 games in 2014, has been battling a left knee injury since reporting to camp.

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#Rangers taking guarded approach with Josh Hamilton's left knee. Are still talking to free-agent OFs, but also like in-house candidates.
— Jeff Wilson (@JeffWilson_FWST) February 24, 2016

"Obviously it's frustrating and disappointing," Hamilton told reporters Wednesday, according to The Associated Press. "As an athlete, you don't want to be pushed back and wait and have a drawn-out time period to get back. That stinks. At the same time, I really felt like it was something that needed to be done now."

The former AL MVP hit .253/.291/.441 with eight homers and 25 RBI in his first season back with the Rangers in 2015. He was a five-time All-Star with Texas from 2008-2012 before signing with the Los Angeles Angels, who still are paying the majority of his salary the next two seasons after trading him to Texas last April.

Hamilton had been projected to start in left field, a job that now will be up for grabs among Joey Gallo, Ryan Rua, Justin Ruggiano and Nomar Mazara. The team also could go the free-agent route, with former Rangers David Murphy and Will Venable still available.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.