The Texas Rangers‘ depth took a considerable hit as Josh Hamilton underwent knee surgery to repair a “slight tear” in his meniscus on Sept. 11, according to Gerry Fraley of the Dallas Morning News.
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Rangers Remain Hopeful for Hamilton Return This Season
Thursday, Sept. 10
Although there is always concern when a player has their knee operated on, Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported the Rangers aren’t ruling out the possibility of Hamilton playing again in 2015.
There is still nearly a month remaining in the regular season. With the Rangers currently holding on to the American League‘s second wild-card spot, Hamilton may have even more time to heal up as Texas has a great chance to make the playoffs.
The surgery doesn’t come as a huge surprise since the 34-year-old slugger recently returned from a stint on the disabled list due to left knee soreness. He has since been wearing a brace and has been used primarily as a pinch hitter rather than a starter.
Per Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News, as recently as last week, Hamilton wasn’t ready to throw in the towel on playing a big role for the club this season: “I haven’t given up on it. There is a month left. I know I can make an impact as a pinch hitter, but I think I can make more of an impact with four at-bats a game. The concept of being a pinch hitter only is nice, but I’m going to keep working to be a full-time guy.”
Since the Rangers reacquired Hamilton in a trade with the Los Angeles Angels in late April, he has contributed to the tune of a .257 batting average, six home runs and 21 RBI.
That production is a far cry from the player who made five straight All-Star appearances and won the 2010 AL MVP Award with the Rangers, but he is still a dangerous hitter when he is healthy.
Hamilton has an uphill climb when it comes to returning despite the Rangers’ optimism. But with the likes of Prince Fielder, Adrian Beltre, Shin-Soo Choo and others in the lineup, they have enough offensive depth to be a threat in the AL without him.
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