Hamilton returns to Rangers

Published Jun. 17, 2012 12:43 p.m. ET

foxsports

ARLINGTON, Texas – Josh Hamilton was back in the Texas clubhouse Sunday after spending Friday night in the hospital because of an intestinal virus that ran through his family.

Hamilton planned to take it easy Sunday and hopes to be back in the lineup Monday when the Rangers open a three-game series at San Diego. Texas manager Ron Washington said when Hamilton thinks he can play, he'll be back in the lineup.

Hamilton said the family was dealing with the noro virus, which is common on cruise ships. One of his daughters is still in the hospital.

"Obviously you guys have been sick with something like that where it's coming out of every hole," Hamilton said. "Your insides are going to hurt. You're going to be fatigued. You've got to get your stomach right, start eating again and get your strength back and built up."

Hamilton got intravenous fluids and has been trying to keep his food down. He's also been busy trying to keep up with his daughters and wife Katie, who have also been sick. His youngest daughter was the first to get sick.

"I was running from one end of the house to the other holding hair and getting trash cans," he said. "Then I was like ‘I know I'm going to get it. I'm definitely going to get it.'"

Hamilton said he starting feeling before Thursday night's game against the Diamondbacks. He got worse as the game went on and he came out of the game early and went home. He said one of the reasons he didn't come to the park the last two days was because how quickly the virus spreads.