Josh Hamilton Injury: Updates on Rangers LF's Recovery From Knee Surgery

The Texas Rangers' depth took a considerable hit when 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.  

Although there is always concern when a player has his knee operated on, Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported on Sept. 10 that the Rangers aren't ruling out the possibility of Hamilton playing again in 2015.

Continue for updates.

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Bannister, Hamilton Comment on Potential Return

Wednesday, Sept. 23

"Every step that he does make in the positive direction benefits us and him," manager Jeff Banister said Tuesday, per Wilson. "The benchmark is how well he show up every day. A lot of this is to tolerance. He’s going to let us know what he can give us each day."

Hamilton also weighed in, stating: "It's hard for me to say when I'll be out there. We're trying to get to the playoffs. It's [Banister's] decision to put out there whoever he feels is hot or doing the best for the team. I'm OK with that."

Wilson also noted, "Hamilton will run the bases Wednesday in the latest test for his injured left knee."

There is more than a week remaining in the regular season. With the Rangers currently holding on to a playoff spot, Hamilton may have even more time to heal up, as Texas controls its own destiny.

The surgery didn't come as a huge surprise when it was announced, as the 34-year-old slugger had recently returned from a stint on the disabled list due to left knee soreness. He had 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, Hamilton believes he can still play 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 American League MVP Award with the Rangers, but he is 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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