Rangers' Hamilton leaves game with inflammed knee

HOUSTON (AP) - Texas Rangers center fielder Josh Hamilton was replaced in the fifth inning of Tuesday's 4-3 loss to the Houston Astros because of left knee inflammation.

Hamilton, who leads the majors with 76 RBIs, struck out in the fourth inning and played defense before being replaced by Brandon Boggs in the bottom of the fifth. He was 0-for-2 and listed as day-to-day.

Rangers manager Ron Washington said a doctor examined Hamilton's knee and that there was no structural damage. He did not have X-rays.

"He just came in after his last at bat and said he felt something back there," Washington said. "We just didn't want to take any chances. He said it felt a little tight."

Hamilton had two operations on that knee in 2006 and said he believes he injured it last week making a diving catch against Atlanta.

"I felt it in Washington, but it just bothered me when I sprinted," he said of the weekend series against the Nationals. "It didn't bother me when I jogged. I didn't feel it again until I stepped on the top step of the dugout to go out for my first at bat."

Although Washington doesn't believe the injury is serious, he is eager to see how Hamilton is feeling on Wednesday.

"You're always concerned when one of your big boppers is out of the lineup," he said. "But at least we know there's no structural damage."