Hamilton being eased back into everyday role

BALTIMORE -- Josh Hamilton was out of the Rangers' lineup on Wednesday against the Orioles after playing in his first game since May 31 on Tuesday. The day off was scheduled when Rangers manager Jeff Banister and Hamilton first sat down to talk about his return to the lineup after being placed on the 15-day disabled list on June 4 with a strained left hamstring.

Hamilton started in left field and went 2-for-4 with a pair of singles on Tuesday. He recorded two putouts, including a sliding catch that robbed Chris Parmelee of a single in the sixth inning.

The outfielder said his hamstring is fine and that he felt healthy enough to play on Wednesday, but he is just listening to team doctors.

"I have missed so much time already this year, and want to be here for the second-half push," Hamilton said. "I'm going to do what they tell me, and that way if something happens, it's not on me."

Video: TEX@BAL: Hamilton slides to make a nice catch in left

Banister will continue to assess Hamilton's case day by day until he feels that his veteran can be an everyday player.

Hamilton was not the only player missing from the Texas lineup on Wednesday, as Rougned Odor got the day off after having a dental procedure done in the morning. Odor and Hamilton were available off the bench.

"It wasn't any emergency," Banister said. "I think he had a crack in one of his teeth."