Former American League MVP Josh Hamilton is back on the Texas Rangers' 25-man roster and eager to start for the Rangers after being sidelined since May 31. The former MVP was activated yesterday against the Baltimore Orioles and was even in the starting lineup batting fifth.
After being on the DL with a strained left hamstring and recovering from shoulder surgery while spending his time and a bad stint with the Los Angeles Angels, Hamilton should be happy to be back with the Rangers because he was a five-time All Star, an ALCS MVP, a batting champion, and a three-time Silver Slugger winner all with the Rangers.
This is what Hamilton needs to resurrect his career after his relapse and use of cocaine and alcohol earlier this year. He could be that extra bat that the Rangers need to make a run to the playoffs and possibly land a playoff spot. This time, though, there will not be as much pressure on him since Prince Fielder and Shin-Soo Choo are the new key additions to that dangerous lineup since Hamilton played for the ball club back in 2012. Plus, the breakout year that Mitch Moreland is having is something to take notice of as well.
However, rookie Joey Gallo received bad news as he was sent to Triple -A Round Rock to make room for Hamilton. Gallo hit .218 with 5 HR and 13 RBI over 25 games in his Major League debut stint. On June 2, his debu tnight, Gallo went 3 for 4 with his first Major League home run and drove in four runs, but now it seems like a memory that will fade away. What really affected him was the way he ended his stint in the Majors by going 7 for 47 with 27 strikeouts.
Gallo will eventually come back to the Major League ball club. However, after Hamilton's going 2 for 4 Tuesday against the Orioles and his excitement of being back in Texas, it looks like Hamilton is here to stay.