ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) - Rangers slugger Josh Hamilton says he is feeling better after medication and treatment on his strained rib cage muscle.

Still, Hamilton says he probably won't be able to play again until at least the start of next week.

Hamilton has been out of the starting lineup since Sunday and hasn't played since pinch-hitting that day. He got hurt April 21 when he ran into the outfield wall in Toronto and his elbow folded into the left side of his body.

Hamilton said Thursday before the Rangers' game against Oakland that the pain is not as widespread.

The Rangers have said they will try to avoid putting Hamilton on the disabled list.

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