Major League Baseball

Hamilton understands Ryan's comments

Published Jul. 25, 2012 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Josh Hamilton understands why Nolan Ryan believes the struggling Texas Rangers slugger sometimes appears to be giving away at-bats.

In responding to comments made by the Rangers president during his weekly radio appearance, Hamilton says Ryan is a big-time competitor that cares for the players and gets frustrated when they aren't performing to their capabilities.

Hamilton came into the Texas clubhouse Wednesday wearing a replica of the New York Knights jersey used by the character Roy Hobbs in the movie ''The Natural.''

Going into Wednesday night's game against Boston, Hamilton was hitting .199 in 156 at-bats over 42 games since the start of June. The five-time All-Star was hitting a season-low .290 overall with 28 homers and a major league-high 81 RBIs.