Rangers’ Hamilton feeling better, nearing ideal rhythm

Josh Hamilton could very well get an off day Wednesday after playing in five straight games for the first time since coming off the disabled list in late June. The scenario would be difficult for Texas Rangers manager Jeff Banister to pass up.

The Rangers don’t play Thursday, so Hamilton would get two days off while missing only one game and he won’t have to play on tired legs in a day game following the night game the Rangers played Tuesday.

If Hamilton has a say, though, he will be in the lineup for the finale of a three-game series against Colorado. The outfielder feels as if he is about to find the rhythm he has been missing, and he wants to keep going until he hits his stride.

“I feel like if I have days off now, it hurts me at this time coming back and starting to play every day,” Hamilton said. “I’m more stiff the next day. If I felt like I needed it, I would probably let him know.”

Hamilton said that he is close to being where he wants to be after missing spring training and rushing to get off the disabled list after his trade to the Rangers. The All-Star break helped his left hamstring heal more, though he still lacks the extra gear.

It was missing on a second-inning gapper Monday that turned from a double into a triple when he couldn’t cut it off before it reached the wall in right-center field.

“I’m just trying to continue to stay below that threshold,” he said. “I’m going to keep playing like I am and keep working on my swing. I’m going to keep taking more swings because the more swings I take, the better I feel.

“Today I told myself, ‘Your body is starting to acclimate, so it’s time for you to start doing your normal routine.’”

Banister understands the importance of Hamilton finding his rhythm but seemed inclined to give him the day off. The goal all along has been to do what it takes to keep Hamilton on the active roster for the rest of the season.

Holland eager

Left-hander Derek Holland declared himself ready for a rehab assignment after throwing live batting practice for the first time since injuring his shoulder in April, but the Rangers aren’t sure what his next step will be.

Holland said that he threw 35 pitches without any issues, and hopes that those watching at Coors Field saw all they needed to feel comfortable to stick him in a minor league game.

“In my mind, I’m ready to go,” said Holland, who was injured in the first inning of the home opener April 10. “Yeah, I get it it that it’s different when you throw to hitters, but I feel good, I feel confident, and I’m ready to step out there.

“I want to help this team, and I’m going to keep trying to push my way out. Obviously, I’ve got to respect the front office and what everybody says, but I’m still going to be that competitive guy that wants to get out.”

Banister liked what he saw from Holland, who had energy on the mound and showed life in his arm. Banister also said that there are multiple steps that go into every rehab process, and the Rangers have erred on the side of caution with injuries.

Holland expects to meet with the powers that be Wednesday.

“After he plays catch tomorrow, we’ll make a plan,” Banister said. “I’m glad Derek feels very good.”

Briefly

▪ Prince Fielder was the Rangers’ recipient of the Heart and Hustle Award, bestowed by the Major League Players Alumni Association to the player who best exhibits a passion for the game and embodies “the values, spirit and tradition of the game.”

▪ Shin-Soo Choo returned to the Rangers’ starting lineup Tuesday for only the second time since the All-Star break and responded with his first career cycle, going 4 for 5 with three runs scored and three RBIs. Banister didn’t say if Choo was a platoon player, but said the outfielder’s role is “to be 1 of 25. We need for each one of these guys to go out and play hard, be engaged, add value to each other.”

This story was originally published July 21, 2015 at 9:55 PM with the headline "Rangers’ Hamilton feeling better, nearing ideal rhythm."