Texas' Hamilton runs, throws, but can't swing bat

Reigning AL MVP Josh Hamilton has been out nearly two weeks so far.

Mark Cunningham/Getty Images

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) -- Texas Rangers slugger Josh Hamilton is able to run and throw as he recovers from a broken right shoulder expected to sideline the reigning AL MVP for up to two months.

Swinging a bat is still out for the left-handed hitter because of the stress it would put on the shoulder.

"He's feeling better. His biggest problem is finishing," Rangers manager Ron Washington said of Hamilton's swing. "As far as all his other movements, it's great. But the finish is the thing."

Hamilton refused to speculate on a timetable for his return.

"I'm not going to say ahead of schedule or behind schedule or anything," Hamilton said before Friday's game against Kansas City. "The more I can use it in everyday life and try to get back to normal, the better it's going to be, the faster it's going to be."

Hamilton was hurt April 12 at Detroit when he tagged up and tried to score from third on a foul popup. Hamilton slid headfirst into the plate.

Texas won only two of its first eight games following Hamilton's injury.

"Do we miss Hamilton? Darn right," Washington said.

Asked whether Rangers hitters were trying to do too much to make up for the absence of Hamilton's bat, Washington said, "The only person who can tell you if a guy is trying too hard are the guys who are out there. But I don't see it. I see that we're facing good pitching."

Copyright 2011 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

more football news more cricket news more golf news more baseball news more soccer news