CINCINNATI _ Josh Hamilton was placed on unconditional release waivers Tuesday by the Texas Rangers, who made the procedural move now so that they can possibly sign him to a minor-league deal in the offseason.
Hamilton, who was activated from the 60-day disabled list before the release, underwent reconstructive surgery on his left knee in early June. He spoke to reporters last month with a full understanding that the Rangers would likely release him and ask him to come back to the team next spring on a minor-league deal.
"We plan to monitor Josh's progress as he continues his rehab process and is medically cleared this winter," general manager Jon Daniels said. "Given the rules in place, releasing him before the end of this month allows us to keep the door open to extending the relationship in the future."
The Rangers also recalled former closer Shawn Tolleson and placed him on the 60-day DL to create a spot on the 40-man roster so that Derek Holland could be activated from the 60-day DL and start Tuesday against the Cincinnati Reds.
Tolleson was on the DL at Triple-A Round Rock with a lower-back issue.
