Josh Hamilton, who left Friday's game with lower back spasms, has returned to the Rangers lineup as the DH on Saturday. Hamilton downplayed concerns about his lower back after Friday's game, and apparently it's not a big enough deal to keep him out of the lineup. The Rangers may elect to have him DH again on Sunday to be on the safe side, but it doesn't look like he'll miss any time with the ailment.

Josh Hamilton downplayed concerns about his lower back after Friday's game. "I'm not really as worried about the All-Star Game as I am about playing tomorrow and the next day," said Hamilton, who left Friday's game with lower back spasms. "I'll wake up [Saturday] and see how it feels. I'll re-asses everything. Hopefully I can play [Saturday]. I'll know when I wake up in the morning. If I'm a little sore, that's fine. If I'm having trouble moving around, that's another thing." It doesn't sound like anything serious, so consider him day-to-day for now.

Josh Hamilton led the way for the 2012 American League All-Stars with a record 11,073,744 votes. Hamilton faded in June, but his numbers this season are still remarkable. He'll be joined by teammates Mike Napoli and Adrian Beltre in the starting lineup, with Prince Fielder, Robinson Cano, Derek Jeter, Curtis Granderson and David Ortiz also getting voted in by the fans. Reserves for the AL squad include Adam Jones, Matt Wieters, Adam Dunn, Paul Konerko, Asdrubal Cabrera, Miguel Cabrera, Billy Butler, Mike Trout, Mark Trumbo, Joe Mauer, Elvis Andrus and Ian Kinsler. The Final Vote will come down to Jonathan Broxton, Yu Darvish, Ernesto Frieri, Jason Hammel and Jake Peavy.

Josh Hamilton went 2-for-4 with a homer and four RBI in the Rangers 7-2 victory over the Athletics on Saturday. Hamilton's three-run shot off Tommy Milone in the fifth inning was the decisive blow in the game, putting the Rangers on top 6-2. He added an RBI single in the seventh to cap off the scoring on the evening. While he has slumped a bit over the last few weeks, Hamilton is still enjoying an MVP-caliber season, hitting .319 with 25 homers and a league-leading 73 RBI.

Josh Hamilton returned to action on Wednesday June 20.

Josh Hamilton (illness) is back in the Rangers' starting lineup on Tuesday against the Padres. Hamilton sat out all weekend (and was even hospitalized at one point) because of a nasty intestinal virus. He's batting .330/.390/.674 with 22 home runs and 62 RBI.

Josh Hamilton (illness) plans to return to the Rangers' lineup Tuesday against San Diego. Hamilton sat out the entire weekend after being hospitalized with an intestinal virus, but appeared in Monday's game as a defensive replacement. His presence means Leonys Martin will return to his role on the bench.

Josh Hamilton appeared in Monday's game against the Padres as a defensive replacement. Hamilton missed his fourth straight start with an intestinal virus, but he was feeling good enough to make a modest contribution. He might get a start on Tuesday.

Josh Hamilton said Monday that his recent intestinal virus caused him to lose 10 pounds. Hamilton was out of the starting lineup for the fourth straight game Monday, but did participate in some pre-game activities. "(I) didn't want to jump back into anything as far as like a game, wanted to come in and get some work in and see how my body responds to it and then be available off the bench tonight and then if everything goes good, jump back in there tomorrow," said Hamilton. It may take him a little while to regain the weight, but he should he back in the Rangers' lineup in the next day or two.

Josh Hamilton (illness) was released from the hospital Saturday. He was hospitalized earlier this week with an intestinal virus and remains day-to-day. Hamilton will work out with the team Sunday, and is expected to return to the Rangers' lineup Monday.