ARLINGTON, Texas -- Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton was hospitalized with an intestinal virus early Friday morning and is expected to miss at least two games.

The major league home run and RBI leader is receiving fluids and is expected to be discharged from the hospital in 12 to 24 hours.

Rangers manager Ron Washington said Hamilton will sit out games Friday night and Saturday against the Houston Astros, and could be out Sunday, as well.

"We're going to miss Hamilton; that's the only feeling I have," Washington said. "We're going to move forward and continue to play baseball. You don't want your best player to not be in the lineup, but there's nothing you can do about it."

Washington said Hamilton was taken out late in Thursday's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks after complaining of a stomach ache.

Rangers officials believe Hamilton got the virus from his wife and children, who have been dealing with it recently.

Texas stressed Hamilton's illness was not related to stomach issues that have plagued others on the team, such as Derek Holland and Nelson Cruz. The club does disinfect the clubhouse regularly.