Further tests show Rangers slugger Josh Hamilton has small fracture in ribs, gets injections

Tests show Hamilton has small fracture in ribs

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Texas Rangers slugger Josh Hamilton has a small fracture in his ribs.

Hamilton, who has been out since crashing into a wall making a catch Sept. 4, visited Dr. Robert Watkins in California for the second day in a row Tuesday. Tests found a fracture that two previous X-rays and an MRI did not show.

General manager Jon Daniels says Hamilton was given an anti-inflammatory injection and an epidural nerve-block injection for pain.

It typically takes two to three days before it is known whether the treatment has the desired effect. Hamilton could return to baseball activities once he feels comfortable.

The Rangers lead the American League West and are trying to make the playoffs for the first time since 1999.