ARLINGTON, Texas — Texas Rangers star outfielder Josh Hamilton, who leads the American League in home runs and RBIs, was admitted to a hospital Friday due to an intestinal virus.
Hamilton, who is receiving fluids, is expected to be released in the next 12 to 24 hours, according to a team spokesperson.
The veteran slugger apparently caught the virus from someone in his family, the spokesperson said, and his sickness is not related to the one that led the Rangers to place left-handed pitcher Derek Holland on the disabled list.
Even if Hamilton is released soon, Rangers manager Ron Washington said he does not expect the center fielder to play this weekend against the Houston Astros.
Hamilton left the Rangers’ 11-3 loss to Arizona early in the game Thursday with an upset stomach.
“You don’t want your best player not to be in the lineup, but there’s nothing you can do about it,” Washington said. “We’re going to move forward and continue to play baseball.“
Stomach ailments have been common with the Rangers this year. In addition to Hamilton, Nelson Cruz, Mike Napoli and Holland have missed time because of stomach problems.
The Rangers acknowledged they will miss Hamilton, who is hitting .330 with 22 home runs and 62 RBIs.