Josh Hamilton to join Double-A Frisco as return to Rangers nears

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Josh Hamilton is getting closer to the Texas Rangers' home ballpark.

The Rangers said Thursday that Hamilton will report to Double-A Frisco after the end of Triple-A Round Rock's homestand. The Express had a scheduled doubleheader Thursday night, and a game Friday.

Hamilton joined Round Rock last Sunday after some time in extended spring training in Arizona.

Texas re-acquired Hamilton in a trade from the Los Angeles Angels on April 27. The 2010 AL MVP and five-time All-Star, who had shoulder surgery in February and didn't go to spring training with the Angels, went to Arizona the day after the Rangers got him back.

When the Express head to Colorado for their next series, Hamilton is expected to play Saturday and Sunday for Frisco, which plays in a Dallas suburb only about 40 miles from the Rangers' ballpark in Arlington. He will take Monday off before scheduled games with the RoughRiders Tuesday and Wednesday.

The Rangers will then determine whether Hamilton needs more games in the minors or is ready to get back to the major leagues.

If he is ready then, Hamilton's season debut with the Rangers could be at Fenway Park or Yankee Stadium.

After three games at home this weekend against Cleveland, the Rangers open a nine-game road trip Tuesday at Boston. They play three games against the Red Sox, then three at the New York Yankees and three more at Cleveland.