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Long road back: Rangers’ Josh Hamilton makes season debut

FILE - In this May 10, 2015 file photo, Texas Rangers' Josh Hamilton bats in the fifth inning against the Nashville Sounds on in Nashville, Tenn. Hamilton is done with his personal spring training and ready to rejoin the Texas Rangers. The slugger is set to fly Sunday, May 24, 2015, to Cleveland to meet the team for the start of a three-game series against the Indians. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski, File) FILE - In this May 10, 2015 file photo, Texas Rangers' Josh Hamilton bats in the fifth inning against the Nashville Sounds on in Nashville, Tenn. Hamilton is done with his personal spring training and ready to rejoin the Texas Rangers. The slugger is set to fly Sunday, May 24, 2015, to Cleveland to meet the team for the start of a three-game series against the Indians. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski, File)

By Associated Press May 25, 2015 1 min read

CLEVELAND (AP) – 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.