Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton starts rehab assignment

Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton starts rehab assignment with Triple-A Round Rock

Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton started his minor league rehab assignment with Triple-A Round Rock on Sunday, going 1-for-3 against the Nashville Sounds. 

Hamilton, who was traded last month from the Los Angeles Angels, is on the 15-day disabled list as he still recovering from shoulder surgery he had in February.

The five-time All-Star started in leftfield and had a single and struck out twice against former American League Cy Young winner Barry Zito before leaving the game after five innings in the 7-0 loss to Nashville.

"Obviously, I would have liked facing a guy who threw 89 [mph] or up, but at the same time, you're going to see guys like him a some point," Hamilton said to the Dallas Morning News.

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“Barry wasn’t throwing gas today,” Hamilton joked. “But overall my body is feeling good, which is the important thing.”

Hamilton, the 2010 American League Most Valuable Player, says he has no idea when he will get the call to the majors.

“As a player you always want to get there and go through it as quick as possible,” Hamilton said. “But as you get older and you have done it long enough you understand what you need to do to get ready, so I can’t put a particular time frame on it."

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