Josh Hamilton Injury: Updates on Rangers OF's Knee and Recovery

Adam WellsJan 23, 2016

Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton is dealing with knee soreness that will require surgery, ending his season.

Continue for updates.

Hamilton to Undergo Surgery

Monday, May 23

Rangers general manager Jon Daniels told reporters that Hamilton will go under the knife on June 8, which will keep him out for the remainder of the season. Daniels added Hamilton plans to play in 2017.

Hamilton Suffers Setback

Sunday, May 1

Jeff Wilson of the Forth Worth Star-Telegram reported Hamilton suffered a setback and has been pulled off his rehab assignment.

Hamilton Comments on Recovery

Thursday, March 24

"It feels good," Hamilton said about his knee Thursday while discussing the cortisone shot he received March 14, per Grant. "Scary good. It's the best it's felt in five years."

Grant provided more from Hamilton:

"
His plan is to leave camp with the Rangers next week and return to Arlington for opening day ceremonies. When the Rangers leave after a three-day season-opening series against Seattle, Hamilton will return to Arizona to really start ramping up baseball activities.
"I'm happy with where we are at," Hamilton said. "The experience of getting too excited, pushing too hard and having setbacks have helped me settle down and stay with the plan."
"

On March 20, Hamilton discussed his recovery with Sullivan:

"
I don't have any pain, and I have full function. That's what you want. We are in a good spot. It's just about staying on course, not getting overanxious or going too fast. Do it the right way. Right now, I am 100 percent better.
"

Hamilton Receives Stem Cell Injection

Wednesday, Feb. 24

The Rangers announced the club will put Hamilton on the disabled list as he continues to be bothered by knee soreness, adding that the outfielder had a stem cell injection in his knee and will be on crutches for seven to 10 days.

Injury-Plagued Career Impacts Hamilton's Overall Success

Injuries have defined Hamilton's career, even when he won an MVP award in 2010. He's reached the 140-game barrier only three times in nine seasons and has played a total of 139 games since 2014.

The Rangers have amassed plenty of outfield depth, with Joey Gallo able to play left field and platoon outfielder Justin Ruggiano signed in the offseason, so they don't have to depend on Hamilton's bat to succeed.

A healthy Hamilton could have been a difference-maker with 30-homer potential, but at 35 years old and with his long injury history, the Rangers would be happy if he was able to play adequately over the course of a full season once he recovers.