Hamilton could join Rangers on Monday
Club will decide if outfielder will be activated; DeShields not being rushed back
TORONTO -- Josh Hamilton could rejoin the Rangers as they kick off a four-game series in Baltimore against the Orioles on Monday. Whether he's activated for the series opener is another story, manager Jeff Banister said.
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"I think there's a chance that he joins us, but you gotta come out of the game today clean," Banister said. "He's got a game to play, he's gotta come out of it clean and we have to make sure he's healthy."
Hamilton, who's due to play another rehab game with Triple-A Round Rock on Sunday, could get a day off Monday even if he does meet Texas in Baltimore, Banister said.
"We'd need to make that decision based on how he feels, what the medical people see where he's at, and really just how much stress he's put on the leg," he said.
Hamilton, who's on the 15-day disabled list with a left hamstring strain, went 1-for-4 with a run scored and an RBI with the Express on Saturday while playing center field. He's hitting .273 (6-for-22) with two homers in seven Major League games this season.
Fellow rehabbing Ranger Delino DeShields, who's also on the DL with a left hamstring strain, was 3-for-4 in Saturday's contest with the Express with a double and a run scored as the designated hitter. There's still no immediate timeline for his return. Banister said the club isn't prepared to rush DeShields back into action.
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"He came out of it good, his legs were good. The swings are there," Banister said. "We have to get him out on the grass and get him running around to make sure."
Banister said the eventual return of both players could provide the team a boost defensively, giving him two more options in center field.
DeShields is hitting .269 with a 12 RBIs and 13 stolen bases in 48 games with the Rangers this season.
Injured left-hander Matt Harrison threw another bullpen on Sunday and will make what could be his final rehab start for Round Rock on Wednesday.
"I'm confident that's all I'll need," Harrison said.
Harrison, who's recovering from spinal surgery, traveled with the Rangers to Toronto and threw a 35-pitch session on Friday and a 25-pitch session on Sunday.