We aren’t even sure who the Texas Rangers are playing yet in the first round of Major League Baseball’s playoffs next week. One thing is for sure, though. If star outfielder Josh Hamilton isn’t healthy enough to contribute, then Texas, the American League West champion, is going out early.
Recommended Stories
The Yankees and Rays already have the edge in postseason experience. But the Rangers’ lineup — so good all season — suddenly looks vulnerable if Hamilton is scuffling or — even worse — unable to play. Baseball’s most productive offensive player (1.049 OPS) has two small rib fractures, which don’t seem all that helpful when swinging a bat.
But Hamilton is going to try. He’s scheduled to return to the lineup Friday against the Angels as a designated hitter. He has been out since Sept. 4 with the injury after he crashed into the outfield wall at Target Field in Minnesota.
