Josh Hamilton starts rehab assignment with Frisco Saturday

The Texas Rangers have announced that outfielder Josh Hamilton will begin a medical rehab assignment on Saturday with a five inning stint with the Frisco Roughriders.

Hamilton, who turns 35 next month, is currently on the disabled list due to his left knee, which he underwent surgery on in the offseason.  He can spend up to 20 days on his rehab stint, and I suspect the Rangers will use a good chunk of that time as he works his way back.

Hamilton was originally supposed to platoon in left field this year with Justin Ruggiano.  With Ian Desmond having been signed, and with Nomar Mazara having been promoted and playing well, there's no clear role for Hamilton once he's ready to return.  The situation will be even murkier when Shin-Soo Choo returns from the d.l. later in May.  Hamilton likely is looking at a role as a bench bat and occasional starter at a corner outfield spot once he's back on the active roster.