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Rangers' Hamilton closing in on rehab assignment

Jerome Miron / USA TODAY Sports

Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton is finally feeling healthy, and now there's a concrete timetable for his return to action from a knee injury.

"Waiting has been tough, but it has been really good," Hamilton told MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan. "I'm just waiting and following what they want me to do. They want me to have six weeks of (extended) spring training, that's what we're doing. I'm going to Arizona to DH and play the field, and hopefully by April 30, I'll be back in (Double-A) Frisco playing in games."

The Rangers want Hamilton to get roughly 35 at-bats during the rehab stint before they'll consider promoting him to the 25-man roster.

Hamilton underwent a pair of surgeries on his left knee last year, and experienced inflammation during spring training, forcing him to the start the season on the disabled list.

The slugger has battled drug addiction, alcoholism, and numerous injuries in recent years. He hit .253/.291/.441 with eight homers and 25 RBIs in 50 games after being traded back to Texas for his second stint with the Rangers last April.

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