Mark Zaleski / AP
In this May 10, 2015, photo, Texas Rangers’ Josh Hamilton bats in the fifth inning against the Nashville Sounds in Nashville, Tenn. Hamilton is done with spring training and ready to rejoin the Texas Rangers.
Monday, May 25, 2015 | 11:16 a.m.
CLEVELAND — For the first time in three years, Josh Hamilton's name is in the Texas Rangers' lineup.
The 2010 AL MVP is playing left field and batting fifth for Monday's game against the Cleveland Indians, making his season debut after shoulder surgery in February.
His return comes after Texas acquired him from the Los Angeles Angels on April 27. Hamilton went to extended spring training in Arizona the day after the deal and spent the past two weeks playing 12 games in the minors.
He was activated from the 15-day disabled list Monday, joining a team that has won five straight games and entered the day two games below .500.
Hamilton had a self-reported alcohol and cocaine relapse last offseason. He was a five-time All-Star in his first stint with Texas and led the Rangers to the World Series in 2010 and 2011.
He signed a $125 million, five-year contract with Los Angeles following the 2012 season, but his time there was a disappointment. He batted .250 with 21 homers and 79 RBIs in 2013 and played only 89 games last season because of injuries.
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