It took a few more games than he would have probably liked, but Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton returned to the lineup tonight against the Tampa Bay Rays. The three year veteran has missed 19 games with a pinched nerve in his back.

"I'm very happy to be back out there," Hamilton told the Associated Press. "Obviously, it has been frustrating. At the same time, it ain't like I got hurt from not being in shape, or by swinging the bat, or running or throwing or anything like that. It was from hitting a wall."

Hamilton is batting .270 in 87 games with 10 home runs. His numbers, which are down from last year, reflect how rocky of a season it's been for the slugger.

"Physically, I'm good enough, and that's what matters at this point," Hamilton said. "The pain over the past week hasn't gotten any worse. That's a positive. If it stays like it is, I can deal with it."

Hamilton is batting third in the lineup as the D.H. Texas is just 3-7 in their last ten games. They are currently seven games out of the AL West with ten games left to play.

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