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MLB notes: Josh Hamilton’s next step toward majors

Texas' Josh Hamilton went 4 for 5 with 4 runs for Double-A Frisco in a rehab assignment. (Associated Press)
Associated Press
Texas' Josh Hamilton went 4 for 5 with 4 runs for Double-A Frisco in a rehab assignment. (Associated Press)

Texas Rangers star Josh Hamilton has joined Double-A Frisco on the next step in his path back to the major leagues.

Hamilton batted third and played center field Saturday. He is expected to play at least four games for the Texas League team.

Hamilton hasn’t played in the majors this season. The former A.L. MVP had shoulder surgery in February and was traded by the Los Angeles Angels back to Texas in late April.

Hamilton says he was rejected several times when he tried to speak to Angels owner Arte Moreno during the slugger’s disappointing two-year stint in Los Angeles.

The 2010 American League MVP who returned to the Rangers in a trade last month said Saturday he reached out during both sub-par seasons as a high-priced free agent. He said he tried again after self-reporting a drug relapse and undergoing shoulder surgery this year.

Hamilton says he was turned away by general manager Jerry DiPoto or team president John Carpino.

Hamilton says his “hands are clean” in his dealings with the Angels.

Pence returns to lineup

The Giants activated RF Hunter Pence off the disabled list, giving the defending World Series champions a big boost to their struggling offense.

Pence was hit by a pitch during spring training and broke the left forearm just above the wrist.

San Francisco has stranded 279 runners, most in the majors. Pence was in the starting lineup Saturday night, batting sixth.

Clearing the bases

Marlins opening day starter Henderson Alvarez will rejoin the rotation today when he starts against the Braves. The right-hander has been sidelined since April 12. … RHP Mat Latos left the Marlins’ game against Atlanta in the fourth inning Saturday with a bruised left shin after being hit by a line drive. X-rays were negative. … Pitcher Bruce Chen was cut by the Indians after going 0-1 with a 12.79 ERA in two starts. Cleveland recalled right-hander Austin Adams. … LHP Sean Marshall will have more shoulder surgery next week, ending his chances of making a comeback with the Reds. The 32-year-old pitcher had surgery for a torn labrum last year. … The Yankees recalled Bryan Mitchell from Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and optioned fellow RHP Jose Ramirez to the Triple-A club. … The Pirates promoted RHP Wilfredo Boscan from Triple-A Indianapolis and optioned INF Steve Lombardozzi. The Pirates also transferred RHP Brandon Cumpton to the 60-day disabled list. … The Royals selected the contract of veteran RHP Joe Blanton from Triple-A Omaha and optioned RHP Aaron Brooks to the same club. The Royals also recalled LHP Brian Flynn from Omaha and placed him on the 60-day disabled list with a torn muscle in the back of his shoulder. … The Cardinals activated OF Randal Grichuk from the 15-day disabled list on Saturday. Xavier Scruggs was optioned to Triple-A Memphis. … The Twins placed OF Jordan Schafer on the 15-day disabled list with a strained medial collateral ligament in his right knee. The team activated OF Shane Robinson off the family emergency list.