Rangers’ lineup is feeling Josh Hamilton’s pain in World Series

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Texas Rangers Manager Ron Washington said outfielder Josh Hamilton, who has been bothered by a left groin strain for about six weeks, was far from 100% during the American League Championship Series. And despite three days off before Game 1 of the World Series on Wednesday, the injury appears to have worsened.

Hamilton, the AL’s most valuable player in 2010, winced after taking a swing a couple of times during an 0-for-4 night in Game 1. And he appeared to have trouble pushing off to make a throw from center field.

But he was back in the Texas lineup, batting third and playing left field, for Game 2 against the St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday.

PHOTOS: Rangers v. Cardinals in World Series

‘One game,’ Washington said. ‘He’ll figure it out. I have no doubt about it. He’s come up big for us, and I expect him to do the same.

‘At this point of the year we’ve all got nagging injuries. He had one, and he’ll figure out a way to get through it, and we’ll figure out a way to help him get through it. He’s a big part of our lineup.

‘I can’t afford to take Hamilton out of my lineup.’

Cardinals Manager Tony La Russa agreed that Hamilton’s presence in the batting order -- even with an injury -- changes the Texas lineup.

‘I just know that he still scares us,’ La Russa said.

He’ll do in a pinch

Allen Craig, whose sixth-inning pinch-hit single drove in the winning run in Game 1, started only 47 games for St. Louis during the regular season. But teammate Lance Berkman said that’s not a true indication of how valuable Craig has been for the Cardinals.

‘He’s been getting big hits for us all year long,’ Berkman said. ‘It’s a luxury to have a guy that could hit probably fourth in most teams’ lineup sitting over there waiting for his opportunity.’

Craig appreciated the compliment.

‘It means a lot to hear that,’ said Craig, who tied for the team lead with seven pinch-hits during the regular season. ‘I’ve never doubted myself as a player, and I know what I can do. I’ve just tried to make the most of my opportunities and show people what I can do.’

Rotation updates

Washington, who had been undecided about his pitching plans heading home for Game 3, said left-hander Matt Harrison, who went 14-9 with a 3.39 earned-run average in the regular season, will start for the Rangers on Saturday, followed by left-hander Derek Holland (16-5, 3.95) in Game 4 on Sunday.

The Cardinals are expected to use right-handers Kyle Lohse (14-8, 3.39) and Edwin Jackson (12-9, 3.79).

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