Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton to have abdominal surgery, out 4-6 weeks

by PegNews wire

ARLINGTON — The Texas Rangers announced today that outfielder and All-Star slugger Josh Hamilton is scheduled to undergo surgery on Tuesday to repair a partially torn abdominal muscle, and is expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks. The Rangers are hoping he can return after the All-Star break.

The surgery will be done in Philadelphia by Dr. William Meyer, who examined Hamilton on Monday and confirmed the original diagnosis of a partial tear. The injury is not considered as serious as the sports hernia that sidelined second baseman Ian Kinsler for the final six weeks of the 2008 season.

Hamilton, who missed two weeks at the start of May because of a bruised left ribcage, injured himself crashing into the wall while making a spectacular catch against the Angels on May 17. He hit .237 with one home run and five RBI in 11 games while trying to play through the pain before finally being put on the disabled list on Tuesday in Boston.

Source: Texas Rangers