Hamilton & Cruz Ready To Rejoin Rangers
ROUND ROCK (AP) - Josh Hamilton went 0 for 4 and Nelson Cruz hit a solo homer on Sunday in the final game of their minor league rehab assignments before rejoining the Texas Rangers.
The two outfielders are expected to be activated off the disabled list in time for Monday's home game against the Chicago White Sox.
Hamilton, last year's American League MVP who is recovering from a broken bone in his upper right arm, used the game to grow accustomed again to batting in the bright sunshine of a day game.
"I feel good, my body feels good," said Hamilton, who struck out twice and was also intentionally walked in Triple-A Round Rock's 15-10 loss to Colorado Springs. "My bat feels good."
He expects to play two games at designated hitter with the Rangers before moving to the outfield.
Cruz, rehabbing a strained right quadriceps muscle, homered for the third straight day. He also hit a fly ball that was caught at the fence in left field in the first inning.
Cruz initially believed he would join the Rangers last Friday for the team's trip to Philadelphia, but spent the weekend working on the mechanics of his swing.
"I got some stuff fixed," Cruz said.
Although he had seven home runs before he was hurt, Cruz was hitless his last 14 at-bats for the Rangers and had only two hits in 23 at-bats before he pulled a muscle trying to leg out an infield hit.
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