Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton will start the season on the disabled list due to a knee injury, the team announced on Wednesday.
Last week, Hamilton experienced soreness in his left knee that was caused by an inflamed capsule behind his knee. He had two surgeries on that knee last year and a cortisone shot on Jan. 22. On Feb. 22, he got a stem cell and platelet rich plasma injection when he was examined by Dr. James Andrews.
Hamilton is on crutches for seven to ten days and is projected to need eight weeks of recovery time and will likely start a minor league rehabilitation assignment in late April, according to the Associated Press. The Rangers are hoping that Hamilton can return to their lineup in early May.
"Obviously frustrating and a little disappointing," Hamilton said. "You know, I had the surgery [in September] and was feeling good until I hit that wall [against the Angels]. I had the surgery after the season and was feeling good, and it came back. I had the cortisone shot and was feeling good until it came back. Baseball skills like hitting, throwing, it doesn't bother me. The more I stand on it, the stiffer I get. This was another option. The crutches aren't because I can't walk, the doctor just doesn't want me to put any pressure on the knee right now."
Hamilton was with the Rangers from 2008 to 2012. He then signed with the Los Angeles Angels and was traded back to the Rangers last season. He hit .253 with eight home runs and 25 RBI’s last year, according to Fox Sports. He is a five-time All-Star.
Hamilton was projected to start in left field this season. Joey Gallo, Ryan Rua, Justin Ruggiano and Nomar Mazara will now compete for that job. The Rangers could also use David Murphy and Will Venable.