Josh Hamilton to start rehab assignment tonight

Per John Blake, Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton is going to start a rehab assignment tonight with the Frisco RoughRiders, playing DH for them against the Midland Rockhounds.

Hamilton has been on the disabled list since April 13, when he suffered a small fracture in his arm after sliding headfirst into home plate while attempting to score on a foul pop fly against the Detroit Tigers.

Hamilton is expected to play for Frisco each of the next five days, and could possibly be activated from the disabled list on Monday.  Ron Washington has previously said that Hamilton will likely get a fair amount of at bats at DH initially, as the team looks to ease him back into the lineup.

Nelson Cruz, of course, is also out on a rehab assignment, and is expected to be activated for this weekend's series against the Philadelphia Phillies.  Jon Daniels said yesterday that a reliever is expected to be sent down to make room for Cruz.