The Texas Rangers announced on Tuesday that they have officially released injured outfielder Josh Hamilton. The former MVP has been sidelined all season due to multiple knee surgeries. Despite the move, the team will not rule out a return for the former pitcher to Arlington next season. Although, that would only be on a minor league deal.
The 35-year-old was activated off the 60-day disabled list to be placed on waivers. That is the move that makes Hamilton's return to Texas possible. General manager Jon Daniels claims that he talked to his player about the move, because if the Rangers hadn't placed him on waivers by the end of August, Hamilton wouldn't be eligible to play for the Rangers until May 15th, 2017.
The initial surgery on his knee took place on June 8th. The All-Star also underwent procedures to repair his meniscus, as well as cartilage in his knee. That means that Hamilton has now gone through three surgeries on his knee since last September.
It may be hard for the Texas Rangers to completely let go to a man who, since he's resolved his personal issues, has done so much for the organization. The five-time All-Star won the MVP award in 2010, and was initially with the Rangers from 2008-2012.
He decided to sign a five-year deal with the Los Angeles Angels as a free agent, where his numbers would immediately go down. Shoulder surgery hampered his playing time, as well as his production while on the field. This lead to the Angels trading him back to the Rangers, where the health issues moved to the knee.
The release gives Hamilton time to turn his attention to the surgically-repaired knee, getting healthy, and hopefully finding his way back to producing on the field.
The 35-year-old was activated off the 60-day disabled list to be placed on waivers. That is the move that makes Hamilton's return to Texas possible. General manager Jon Daniels claims that he talked to his player about the move, because if the Rangers hadn't placed him on waivers by the end of August, Hamilton wouldn't be eligible to play for the Rangers until May 15th, 2017.
The initial surgery on his knee took place on June 8th. The All-Star also underwent procedures to repair his meniscus, as well as cartilage in his knee. That means that Hamilton has now gone through three surgeries on his knee since last September.
It may be hard for the Texas Rangers to completely let go to a man who, since he's resolved his personal issues, has done so much for the organization. The five-time All-Star won the MVP award in 2010, and was initially with the Rangers from 2008-2012.
He decided to sign a five-year deal with the Los Angeles Angels as a free agent, where his numbers would immediately go down. Shoulder surgery hampered his playing time, as well as his production while on the field. This lead to the Angels trading him back to the Rangers, where the health issues moved to the knee.
The release gives Hamilton time to turn his attention to the surgically-repaired knee, getting healthy, and hopefully finding his way back to producing on the field.
