Josh Hamilton was injured diving into home in the top of the first inning today as the Rangers played the second game in their three-game set with the Tigers at Comerica Park.
Hamilton tripled to score Michael Young for the game’s first run and dove head first into third. As he arrived, Tigers third baseman Brandon Inge fell on top of him. He was on third base when Adrian Beltre hit a foul pop fly near the third base dugout. The ball was caught, and Hamilton noticed that Tigers pitcher Brad Penny had failed to cover home plate. He attempted to score, but Victor Martinez raced to the plate and tagged Hamilton out as he dove home.
Hamilton seemed to dive awkwardly on his side and appeared to be holding his back as he walked off of the field, but the Rangers reported that he had to leave the game as a result of a shoulder strain. He was replaced by Ian Kinsler in the designated hitter spot. The Rangers have not offered further word on Hamilton’s injury.