Rangers notes: DeShields returns, but Hamilton remains sidelined

Delino DeShields returned to the Texas Rangers’ lineup Sunday, batted leadoff and started in center field.

That’s the good news. The bad news?

Josh Hamilton remained sidelined for the second consecutive day with a left groin strain.

Hamilton isn’t headed back to the disabled list, said manager Jeff Banister, who described the injury as slight. Banister hopes the consecutive days off, couple with Monday’s scheduled day off gives Hamilton enough time to heal.

“That’s kind of where we are right now, trying to find a way to get his lower half right, keep it strong and keep it playable,” Banister said. “I think we have an opportunity to have a couple days here to get him feeling better.”

There’s also a day off Thursday and the All-Star break, which provides a break from July 13-16 before the Rangers resume play in Houston on July 17.

“We’re going to give it every single effort we have to make sure we get it right this year,” Banister said. “We’d like to hope through treatment it can feel a lot better.”

DeShields went on the DL on June 15 with a left hamstring strain. He played in six games with Triple A Round Rock and said he feels healthy. He started in center for the Rangers for the first time since June 3. It was his 17th game in center. He has started 23 games in left.

“I think they’re pretty similar. I feel like you can see the ball better because it’s right in front of you as far as the gap to gap balls,” DeShields said. “Center is my natural position. Balls are hit, go get it.”

Infielder Hanser Alberto was optioned to Round Rock to make room for DeShields.

DeShields didn’t attempt any steals in the minor leagues out of an abundance of caution. But he has the green light with the Rangers.

“Nothing has changed since the last time I played. I’m going to do the same things I did before,” he said. “We can’t play scared in baseball, in any sport.”

Still, Banister said, hamstring issues can linger even if they feel back to normal. Hamilton, who went on the DL in early June with a left hamstring strain, has tried playing with less exertion on his legs.

“You never 100 percent know until you get them out there,” Banister said. “[DeShields] is going to have to manage his routine. You play at the level you’re used to playing at. It’s the maintenance, the routine, making sure you have enough fluid in your body. Sleep. All the above.”

Choo rests

Shin-Soo Choo was given a day off Sunday after playing the last 10 games after being sidelined with back spasms.

Briefly

▪ The Rangers signed international free agent shortstop Cristian Inoa from the Dominican Republic.

▪ Adam Rosales started in left field Sunday, his first time in the outfield since 2012 for Oakland.

This story was originally published July 5, 2015 at 6:23 PM with the headline "Rangers notes: DeShields returns, but Hamilton remains sidelined."