ARLINGTON, Texas -- Josh Hamilton's left knee isn't 100 percent but it's good enough for him to be back in the starting lineup after missing two day.
Hamilton, who missed the final two games of the Texas series in Minnesota, had an MRI on the knee Friday. It showed no structural damage, and Hamilton will now try and play through the pain.
He'll do so with peace of mind.
"Structurally it's fine," Hamilton said. "Same thing as I figured it was, like a bone bruise. Mentally, I know it's structurally fine so the pain part of it is fine. As long as I can't tear anything."
Hamilton is batting .252 with Texas and has five home runs and 19 RBI. He was hitting .313 on the road trip with two RBI before the knee soreness flared up.
"He's sore but in his words 'He's a gamer,'" Texas manager Jeff Banister said. "This the time of year you want to play. We're going to get him out there and let him go play."
Briefly
• Outfielder Leonys Martin will see a hand specialist after hurting his right hand in a game for Triple-A Round Rock. The club believes Martin may have broken the hamate bone, which could end his season.
• Right-hander Nick Tepesch will undergo surgery Wednesday on his right side for symptoms associated with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. He's expected to be ready for spring training.
• Right-hander Dillon Tate, the club's top pick in the June first-year player draft, has been promoted to Class-A Hickory. He was with short-season Spokane and was scheduled to pitch in relief for the Indians Friday night.
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