Texas Rangers Getting Healthy at Just the Right Time

As the Texas Rangers trot out to finish their series with the Angels on this Sunday afternoon, you would be hard pressed to name all three outfielders. This could soon change however.

Richard Durrett of espndallas.com reports that Nelson Cruz and reigning American League MVP Josh Hamilton are nearing rehab stints with Double-A affiliate Frisco.

Cruz will report on Monday with hopes of coming off the disabled list just in time for a matchup with Roy Halladay and the Philadelphia Phillies. Hamilton, who has been out since April 12 with a fracture in a bone in his upper arm, could be cleared to head to Frisco as early as Wednesday after a CT scan that day.

Hamilton has been taking batting practice and appears to feel good in his swing. Durrett also reports that when Hamilton begins his rehab assignment, and even when he gets back to Texas, it will be in a designated hitter role until he can be reacclimated to the outfield.

The Rangers started the season at 9-1 but since Hamilton's injury the team has only a 11-18 record, losing the last four series' not including the rain-shortened series with the Oakland A's. Since Cruz joined Hamilton on the DL, the Rangers have gone 4-5.

Just as it appeared that the Rangers were nearing a return to the opening day outfield, Julio Borbon strained his left hamstring in a game against the Angels Friday night and was placed on the DL also.