Hamilton will return to Texas lineup Friday; Murphy will be held out to get ready for playoffs

Hamilton back in Rangers lineup Friday; Murphy out

ARLINGTON, Texas — Texas Rangers slugger Josh Hamilton will return to the lineup Friday night for the AL West champions, while outfielder David Murphy will be held out until the playoffs.

Murphy has a strained left groin, although an MRI shows no tear. Manager Ron Washington says Murphy will be held out of the four-game series against the Los Angeles Angels that will wrap up the regular season, and he should be ready to play next week.

Hamilton’s been out since breaking two ribs Sept. 4 while crashing into an outfield wall making a catch at Minnesota. He’s scheduled to play six innings in the outfield Friday night. Plans are for him to be designated hitter Saturday and play the outfield again Sunday.

Hamilton leads the majors with a .361 batting average.