Texas Rangers OF Josh Hamilton facing more surgery on knee

Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton is facing another trip under the knife on his left knee as he attempts a comeback from last season's reconstructive surgery.

The former American League MVP is experiencing discomfort in the knee and may require arthroscopic surgery as soon as Monday, according to the Rangers.

Hamilton felt sharp pain while running recently and was given a platelet-rich plasma injection last week. But the knee didn't respond to the treatment and Hamilton left the team to travel to Houston to see orthopedic surgeon Dr. Walt Lowe, who performed his knee reconstruction in June.

There is speculation that Hamilton, who turns 36 in May, might not play again.

Assistant general manager Mike Daly told reporters that the Rangers and Hamilton have not yet that had conversation. Daly said the team would like to give Hamilton the chance to recover.

"Josh has a great desire to play," Daly said. "We feel good that Josh is going to play."

Hamilton signed a minor league contract with the Rangers in January. He missed all of last season with the knee injury.

Hamilton was a five-time All-Star for the Rangers and won MVP honors in 2010 when he led the AL with a .359 average and had 32 homers and 100 RBIs. He hit a career-best 43 homers in 2012 and departed as a free agent to sign with the Angels.

Hamilton's career went into a deep decline and he hit 31 homers in two seasons with the Angels before they dealt him back to the Rangers. He batted .253 with eight homers and 25 RBIs in 2015 while batting injuries.

Hamilton received medical clearance to return to baseball in December.

He has 200 career homers and 701 RBIs in 1,027 games. Hamilton possesses a career batting average of .290.