LITTLE ROCK — RANGERS Hamilton in lineup
ARLINGTON, Texas - Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton was back in the lineup Monday night for the opener of a four-game series against Oakland after being diagnosed with a cornea problem caused by caffeine that he described as a sugar high “times 10.”
Hamilton, who had missed five consecutive games, saw an optometrist Monday and was diagnosed with ocular keratitis, a drying of the cornea caused by too much caffeine and energy drinks.
“Drinking caffeine, coffee in the morning, coffee midday, Energy drink before the game, chocolate after the game. All these things were compounding and making it worse and worse,” he said
Hamilton said he didn’t have blurry vision.
“My vision was perfect. I don’t know how to explain it to you all,” he said. “I was fixated on one spot. Call the doctor and let him explain it to you. It was impacting my ability to be ready to play the game.”
The 2010 AL MVP was batting third and playing center field for the Rangers, who entered Monday with a four-game lead over the A’s in the AL West.
He began the night tied with Detroit’s Miguel Cabrera for the AL lead with 42 home runs.
TWINS Capps back
MINNEAPOLIS - The Minnesota Twins activated reliever Matt Capps from the disabled list.
The move was made before Monday’s game against the New York Yankees, giving Capps the opportunity to pitch a few more times before the season ends. The right-hander had 14 saves in 15 attempts before experiencing irritation in his throwing shoulder and landing on the DL on June 25. He came off two weeks later, pitched twice and had to be put back on with more discomfort July 17.
Manager Ron Gardenhire said Capps “came in all excited” about his return to the active roster. The Twins have a $6 million option on his contract for 2013, which they’ll likely decline and pay him a $250,000 buyout instead, making him a free agent.
Sports, Pages 18 on 09/25/2012