Hamilton Returning To Lineup Soon

The Rangers' slugger is expected back Friday night, with some added protection, as Texas tries to close out the season strong. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

For the past 24 games the Texas Rangers have managed to survive, clinching their first division title in 11 years, without one of the best players in baseball. That will likely come to an end Friday night as center fielder Josh Hamilton plans to make his return to the Rangers' lineup with three games remaining before the playoffs.

Hamilton, who leads the Majors with a .361 batting average to go along with 31 homers and 97 RBI in 130 games this season, hasn't played since Sept. 4 due to a pair of broken ribs he sustained crashing into the center field wall against the Minnesota Twins. Rangers' manager Ron Washington believes the time off may have been a blessing in disguise and looks forward to going into the playoffs with the American League Most Valuable Player candidate.

"We will have a fresh Josh. ... He may come back and look like he never missed a beat," Washington said. "Just his presence back in the lineup will make a huge difference."

As shown in the above picture, Hamilton will have to wear an armor-like protectant over his broken ribs for the rest of the season.

Hamilton practiced in the thin, flak-jacket like armor Wednesday and reported no problems.

The Rangers have also said they will take precautions with Hamilton in terms of how much practice he has before games. From here on out, Hamilton won't take batting practice on the field before games.

"I want to eliminate the risk of getting the adrenaline going and doing too much," Hamilton said.

Texas plans to integrate Hamilton into the regular lineup slowly over the weekend. The center fielder will play six innings in the field Friday night, be the designated hitter Saturday, and then play a full game Sunday before going full force in game one of the American League Divisional Series (A.L.D.S.) Wednesday.

Murphy Not As Lucky

Outfielder David Murphy, who had been Josh-like with a .355 batting average in Hamilton's place during the course of September, won't be returning as quickly. Murphy strained his left groin and is not expected to be back until game one of the A.L.D.S.

(Portions of this article were taken from The Associated Press)