Rangers slugger Josh Hamilton out of lineup with recurring groin injury

Rangers’ Hamilton out with groin problem

ARLINGTON, Texas — Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton was out of the starting lineup for Sunday’s game against the Oakland Athletics due to a recurring groin problem.

Hamilton sustained the injury May 17 in a home game against the Los Angeles Angels when he crashed into the padded outfield wall while making a leaping catch.

The injury was described at the time as a slight groin pull and the 2008 All-Star has remained in the lineup. But he was in a 3-for-23 slide during the seven-game homestand that concluded on Sunday.

“It’s a great idea,” Hamilton said of taking the day off. “If I can’t run, I can’t play. We’ll see what the doctor says.”

Manager Ron Washington said Hamilton has been limited, but he thinks Hamilton’s condition could show improvement by missing Sunday’s game and with Monday’s off day. Washington said there are no current plans to put Hamilton on the disabled list, but Hamilton will be checked out by a specialist for what could be a sports hernia.

“When you’re battling injuries, sometimes you can’t drive (the ball) the ball the way you want to drive it,” Washington said.

Marlon Byrd started in center field in place of Hamilton, who had a breakout season in 2008 with a .304 average, 32 homers and 130 RBIs.

This season Hamilton is hitting .234 with six homers and 24 RBIs.

Earlier this season Hamilton missed 13 games with a rib injury sustained when he crashed into the outfield wall in Toronto.