Rangers vs. Tigers: Josh Hamilton Leads Rangers Despite Groin Injury

So what’s all this news about Josh Hamilton’s groin? 

It seems to be that Josh Hamilton, last year’s American League Most Valuable Player, has been dealing with a sore groin for quite some time.

No timetable has been given as to when Hamilton suffered his groin pull, but it’s something that has been visible during this 2011 postseason.  

While speaking with Richard Durrett of ESPN Dallas after the Rangers' extra-inning Game 4 victory (which saw Hamilton go 1-for-5 with a run scored), Hamilton said, “My groin is sore. A lot of guys are hurting right now. That’s part of it this time of year. I’m fine... It just hurts a little more when I have to run hard.”

The current MVP has yet to be a factor in this American League Championship Series.  He is only 5-for-18 with a batting average of .277, with no home runs, two RBI and two runs scored.

For the ’11 postseason, Hamilton has yet to hit a home run, only has four RBI, has scored three times and is 9-for-33 with a batting average of .273.

Even with the groin injury, Hamilton is still third on the team in batting average and fifth in runs scored. However, it is apparent that the soreness of his groin is affecting his power surge and ability to drive runs in.  

But it’s the fact that Hamilton is still playing that is showing his true grit and his determination to be there for his team if needed. Having Hamilton in the lineup every day helps the hitters around him see better pitches during their at-bats.  

With the Rangers on the verge of their second World Series appearance ever as a franchise, Hamilton will be the focal point of how well this Rangers team plays tonight.  

He will go out there for tonight’s Game 5 against Detroit to his position in center field—sore groin and all.  

And no matter what pain he is going through, it will be numbed by the chance of being the reason why this Texas Rangers franchise wins their first ever World Series Championship. 

Twitter: @tjmcaloon