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GM: Josh Hamilton may be limited to pinch-hitting duty for rest of season

MLB, Texas Rangers

Josh Hamilton, who was activated off the disabled list Tuesday, might not play the outfield again for the Texas Rangers this season and instead be limited to pinch-hitting duties, general manager Jon Daniels said Monday.

"That's where my head is at," Daniels told the Dallas Morning News. "With the number of outfield options we have and with the number of runners we can have, we can run for him and then play somebody in the outfield. We will take whatever he can contribute."

The Rangers trail the Houston Astros by four games in the AL West and have a one-game lead over the Minnesota Twins for the second wild-card spot.

Hamilton, who still feels pain in his left knee while running, has been limited by myriad injuries to just 38 games this season. However, he hopes to be able to contribute in full capacity during the stretch run.

"I haven't given up on it," Hamilton told reporters Tuesday. "There is a month left. I know I can make an impact as a pinch hitter, but I think I can make more of an impact with four at-bats a game. The concept of being a pinch hitter only is nice, but I'm going to keep working to be a full-time guy."

He has not ruled out offseason knee surgery to potentially repair or remove some cartilage. A five-time All-Star and the 2010 American League MVP, Hamilton has already undergone knee surgery twice on each knee.

Hamilton is hitting .254 with six homers and 21 RBIs.

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