TORONTO (AP) — Josh Hamilton is being held out of the Texas Rangers’ lineup for Yu Darvish’s start against the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday night because of a sore back.
Hamilton, who leads the AL with nine home runs and 25 RBIs, left Sunday’s win over Tampa Bay in the third inning with the injury.
Rangers manager Ron Washington called the move precautionary, and said Hamilton is day to day. Washington said Toronto’s artificial turf field did not play into his decision to sit Hamilton.
However, the turf did prompt Washington to start Adrian Beltre at DH, with Michael Young taking over at third base.
Craig Gentry took Hamilton’s spot in center, batting ninth.
