Center fielder Josh Hamilton continued his rehab assignment Monday with Class AAA Oklahoma City and could be back with the Rangers on Tuesday for the start of a six-game homestand.
Playing for a second straight day against the Round Rock Express at the Dell Diamond, Hamilton grounded to second, doubled down the right-field line, struck out swinging and walked twice in five plate appearances. He also scored a run and was walked intentionally in the eighth inning with a runner on third. The Express broke a 5-5 tie in the ninth to defeat the RedHawks 6-5. Hamilton was placed on the 15-day disabled list on May 1, retroactive to April 27, with a strained intercostal muscle in his left rib-cage area. The Rangers have gone 9-4 in his absence.
"I felt good again today," Hamilton said following the game. "My at-bats felt really good. I got to run around out there for all nine innings and it was hot, so I had the chance to really get my legs going. I thought I might be gassed with the heat, but everything felt great."
In two games this weekend for Oklahoma City, Hamilton combined to go 2-for-5 with a double, three walks and two runs scored.
He is scheduled to return to Arlington on Tuesday. He will be evaluated by the Rangers medical staff before a decision is rendered on whether to activate him or give him more rehab time.
