Hamilton, Gimenez debut in extended spring games

CHICAGO — Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton and catcher Chris Gimenez are both back playing in games in extended spring training.

Hamilton was 1-for-2 with a double and two walks as a designated hitter in a game against the D-backs on Friday in Arizona. Hamilton, who is recovering from surgery on his left knee, will play in the controlled environment of extended spring training for about a week and then begin a medical rehabilitation assignment in the Minor Leagues.

The Rangers are aiming for Hamilton to get approximately 35 at-bats between extended spring training and real Minor League games before he is considered an option at the Major League level. He missed all of regular Spring Training while dealing with inflammation in the knee.

“That’s the number we’d like him to get to,” manager Jeff Banister said. “But it’s all about the legs and getting the body ready to perform continually.”

Gimenez was playing for the first time since March 26 after being sidelined for almost a month because of an infection in his left ankle. He was 2-for-5 in the extended spring training game …

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