Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton will open the 2016 season on the disabled list with left knee soreness.

Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton will open the 2016 season on the disabled list with left knee soreness, Rangers executive vice president of communications John Blake announced Wednesday.

Blake also announced that Hamilton, 34, had a stem cell injection in his knee on Wednesday, and will be on crutches for seven to 10 weeks. Blake added that Hamilton hopes to be ready to play by late April.

Hamilton, who had his second knee surgery in October, had a cortisone shot for the injury on Jan. 21.

The 2010 American League MVP, who was traded to Texas last April, batted .253 with eight home runs and 25 RBIs in 50 games for the Rangers last season.

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