ARLINGTON -- Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton, who missed all of Spring Training with left knee issues, played in his first game on a Minor League rehab assignment Saturday, going 0-for-2 for the Double-A Frisco RoughRiders before being lifted from left field for a defensive substitution to start the fifth inning.
Hamilton flew out in his first at-bat and reached on a fielding error the second time up.
Hamilton, 34, hit .253 with eight homers and 25 RBIs in 50 games after the Rangers acquired him from the Angels early last season. Hamilton was plagued by injuries in 2014-15, limiting him to 139 games over the past two seasons.
Manager Jeff Banister said Saturday that Hamilton's lack of at-bats this year -- counting several in extended spring training -- means he needs to see at least 20-30 more at-bats in his rehab assignment before being ready to return to the Majors.