Rangers place Hamilton on release waivers

The Texas Rangers have placed outfielder Josh Hamilton on unconditional release waivers.

Hamilton is currently out for the season after undergoing surgery on his left knee in June. Though the operation was initially scheduled solely to repair the meniscus and cartilage in his already surgically-repaired knee, the procedure discovered that Hamilton's anterior cruciate ligament also required a complete reconstruction, forcing an early end to his season.

While no club is expected to claim the 35-year-old off waivers - he's still owed $28.4-million in 2017 - the Rangers are still open to bringing back the veteran on a minor-league deal.

"We plan to monitor Josh's progress as he continues his rehab process and is medically cleared this winter," general Manager Jon Daniels said in a statement, according to Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News. "Given the rules in place, releasing him before the end of this month allows us to keep the door open to extending the relationship in the future."

The Rangers have to release Hamilton by Sept. 1 in order for him to be eligible for a big-league return before May 15 in 2017.

Hamilton slashed .253/.291/.441 in an injury-riddled 2015 campaign with Texas.