Texas Rangers OF Josh Hamilton DL-bound again

June 2, 2009 @ 01:01:05

By Keith Hernandez
Edited by Tim Heaney

The Associated Press reports Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton (groin) will go on the disabled list with a strained groin. The injury could sideline him anywhere from two weeks to two months. Hamilton's injury is very similar to a sports hernia, and general manager Jon Daniels said a second opinion will be needed before determining whether Hamilton will need surgery. Daniels indicated that rest and anti-inflammatory medication might alleviate Hamilton's injury.

Texas will recall outfielder Brandon Boggs from Triple-A Oklahoma City in a corresponding move.

This will be Hamilton's second trip to the DL this year. He was sidelined earlier this season with a strained ribcage after crashing into the outfield wall.

He is hitting .240 with six home runs and 24 RBIs in what has become a disappointing campaign after his breakout 2008 season, in which he slugged 32 home runs and drove in 130 runs.

With Hamilton going back to the shelf, possibly for an extended amount of time, outfielders Andruw Jones, David Murphy and Marlon Byrd stand to benefit.

Byrd (.304-4-24) has been in the lineup often and would be the best pickup off the waiver wire while Hamilton is out, especially since he can play all three outfield spots.

Jones would seem to capitalize the most from Hamilton's absence. He is batting .282 with five home runs and 14 RBIs in just 25 games this season but has yet to find a comfortable spot in the lineup. Hamilton's absence could be just enough to get him going. He may also see time at DH as well as first base to spell the struggling Chris Davis. Give him a try in AL leagues and consider it mixed ones.

Murphy has been struggling, hitting .226 with two homers and 10 RBIs, but has seen more time (36 games) than Jones and will probably see most of his at-bats against righties. Look for him to see more starts with Hamilton out, but don't expect a huge turnaround in his average or power numbers. Ignore him unless you're desperate in deep AL setups.

Boggs shouldn't be considered in any fantasy baseball league.

At this point, Hamilton owners must be seriously concerned with his health. For now, stash him in a DL spot and continue to monitor his recovery. However, you may be forced to move in another direction if he is forced to sit out for up to two months.

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Keith Hernandez

Keith, an editor with KFFL, joined the team as a Hot off the Wire analyst in 2008 and has been playing fantasy sports since 2005. He is involved in MLB, NFL and NASCAR content. He graduated from the University of California-San Diego in 2005 with a B.A. in Communications and was a four-year starter as a member of the baseball program.

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