SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in Houston on Monday and will be sidelined for at least 2-3 months.
The surgery was performed in Houston by Dr. Walt Lowe, who did reconstruction surgery on the same knee last June. This time, Lowe repaired torn cartilage that was causing discomfort. He said Hamilton's reconstructed ACL was still intact.
Hamilton is in Rangers camp on a Minor League contract, and there have been no discussions on what this means for his future. He is expected to return to Arizona later this week.
Hamilton has been told that he will need six weeks of rehabilitation before he can begin straight-ahead running. After that, he would need approximately 4-6 weeks of baseball activity plus time in the Minors before he could be considered an option at the Major League level. That's the best-case scenario.
Hamilton came to Spring Training feeling good, but he felt pain a week ago. Monday's procedure was Hamilton's fourth surgery on his knee in the past 18 months.