Josh Hamilton returns to Rangers lineup
ARLINGTON, Texas –€“ Josh Hamilton returned to the Texas lineup after missing three days because of lower-half issues.
Hamilton said his right hip has been an issue but he's good enough to play.
"I'm very happy about being back in the lineup," Hamilton said. "I wouldn't be out there playing if I didn't feel like I could go out there to a certain point and still get the job done. It's going to take a little extra focus. I big concern was I'm still nursing the left hamstring, now the right hip. If I go out there and push through is it going to make one worse than the other and cause me to miss more time."
Hamilton said he was told the hip issue was a mild strain and there was nothing that could be done for it. The left hamstring strain that forced him to miss nearly a month has improved too.
Hamilton said the key now is to keep him in the best possible shape leading up to the All-Star break and then take advantage of the down time to mend even more.
"I don't think I'm too far off," Hamilton said. "The hamstring feels really good but it's still there. Each day I'm getting to a level where I can go further and further and further before I feel it. That's the goal right now."
Manager Jeff Banister said the Rangers would monitor Hamilton on a daily basis and take advantage of situations where he can get him out of games when he can.
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