Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers played in his first minor league game as he rehabs from abdominal surgery. In the contest, Hamilton got one hit in four at-bats. He also recorded a walk, run and a steal.

After the game, Hamilton reported that he felt good. Although he didn’t play in the field, he reportedly looked smooth running the bases.

After being one of the best stories in baseball last year, Hamilton hasn’t been as hot this year. In 35 games, Hamilton is hitting .240 with six homers and 24 RBIs. He also has 20 runs, five doubles, two triples and three stolen bases.

Both Hamilton and the Rangers believe that he could return to the big league level by this coming weekend. If he doesn’t, might start out as the designated hitter and then eventually return to his spot in the Rangers’ outfield.

Josh Hamilton - Texas Rangers (Image: Newscom)

On Monday, Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers had an MRI on his troublesome groin. The images showed bad news for Hamilton and the Rangers — the slugger could be forced to sit out up to two months.

Josh Hamilton - Texas, Rangers (Image: Newscom)

As a result of what the MRI indicated, Texas has played Hamilton on the disabled list. The quickest doctors say that the outfielder could return to the lineup would be in two weeks, however the Rangers are unlikely to bring him back that fast. That is especially true since this is already Hamilton’s second stint on the DL this year.

To replace him on the roster, the Rangers called up Brandon Boggs. The 26-year-old Boggs hasn’t played in the major leagues so far this season.

Although Hamilton isn’t on the same pace that he was last season, he’s still a very important part to the Rangers. He’s currently hitting .240 with six homers and 24 RBIs. At 30-21, the Rangers have the second best record in the American League.

Edinson Volquez, who has been on the disabled list due to a back injury, will make his return to the pitching mound on Monday against the St. Louis Cardinals. He hasn’t been able to pitch since May 16th.

Prior to last season, the Cincinnati Reds acquired Volquez in a deal that sent Josh Hamilton to the Texas Rangers. Although Hamilton blew up in Texas, Volquez was also really good. Last year, the native of the Dominican Republic was 17-6 with 206 strikeouts in 196 innings to go along with a 3.21 ERA.

This season, Volquez was 4-2 in his eight starts with a 4.25 ERA. The 25-year-old was actually a bit better than that ERA indicates — especially when you consider that he is sporting a National League best .185 batting average against stat.

With a record of 26-23, the Reds need Volquez to come back strong if the team wants to make a legit run at the 2009 baseball playoffs.

Edinson Volquez Injury Update (Image: Zuma Press)

Josh Hamilton missed 13 games for the Texas Rangers with a ribcage muscle strain. On Tuesday, Hamilton returned with a bang.

After going without a hit in his first three at-bats, Hamilton came to the plate in the seventh inning with the game tied 1-1. With one swing, Hamilton put the Rangers up 3-1 when he hit a homer against the Seattle Mariners. Texas never trailed again and beat Seattle by a final count of 7-1.

Josh Hamilton, Texas Rangers (Image: Newscom)

The Rangers have now sit in first place in the AL West after winning eight of their last ten games. At 18-14, Texas has outscored their opponents by 21 runs, which is the third largest margin in the American League behind the Toronto Blue Jays and the Boston Red Sox.

If Hamilton can find the swing that made him such a story last season, he could help lead the Rangers to the playoffs for one of the few times in team history.

I do a lot of reading. And when I get a chance, I try to read some books written by athletes. I’ve even started a little book club. I’ve just learned of two more books that could be added to that list in the near future.

The Coach Matters: Life Lessons Beyond The Playing Field by Venus Williams

“Williams will reflect on how her own coaches’ advice, including that of her father and mother, helped her make tennis history and succeed in the business world and beyond. The tennis star will interview other business, sports, entertainment, fashion and political icons who had high school, college or professional coaches whose sports maxims translated well off the court and field.” (Publishers Weekly)

An Untitled Memoir by Josh Hamilton

“Texas Ranger Josh Hamilton’s comeback story from blue chip prospect to addict to American League All Star; after being confronted by his grandmother at rock bottom, Hamilton embraced Christianity, found his faith, and made it back to the pinnacle of his profession.” (Prayers For Blowouts)

Two stories worth checking out in a few years.