Rest for Hamilton

The All-Star break provided anything but rest for outfielder Josh Hamilton, who was given a day off Sunday in the series finale against the Twins.

Hamilton said he still hadn’t caught up on his sleep after learning first-hand that New York is the city that never sleeps. The four Rangers All-Stars had travel difficulties July 13 and didn’t get to sleep until as late as 5 a.m.

He received about six hours of sleep Monday night after the Home Run Derby but took a 20-minute power nap Tuesday night before heading to the airport for a flight home.

Rangers manager Ron Washington said he decided Thursday to give Hamilton a break Sunday. Washington said he might revisit giving the other three All-Stars — Milton Bradley, Ian Kinsler and Michael Young — a day off in the next week.

The four All-Stars entered Sunday 4-for-30 in the first two games of the second half. Hamilton had two hits, both Saturday.

"I didn’t care what he did yesterday. I was giving him the day off," Washington said. "We took into account all that he had to go through at the All-Star Game and the way it went down."

Duran back to minors

Vicente Padilla was reinstated from the 15-day disabled list, and he took the roster spot created when infielder German Duran was optioned to Triple A Oklahoma.

The Fort Worth resident said he anticipated the move and plans to make this trip to the minors the final one of his career. He realizes that before he can stick on the Rangers’ roster, he needs to hit every day while honing his fielding skills around the infield.

"The key for me every year is just playing," said Duran, who is hitting .225 with three homers. "The more I play, the more comfortable I get."

He feels comfortable at second base and plans to work most on his defense at third base and shortstop. Ron Washington expects Duran to become a fixture on the roster.

"I think when he comes back again, it’ll be for good," Washington said.

More roster moves ahead

Eric Hurley will be activated from the DL today, Scott Feldman will be recalled from Double A Frisco, and two players will have to be moved out to create room on the 25-man roster for the right-handers.

One roster spot will be created from the bullpen, where Feldman will be used as a middle reliever.

Warner Madrigal could be optioned to the minors, and Dustin Nippert could be designated for assignment.

Nippert gave up only one run in seven relief innings July 7 against the Angels. But he has given up five runs on 11 hits in 3 2/3 innings in his past two appearances, and opponents are hitting .391 against him this season.

If he is designated, the Rangers run the risk of him being claimed by another club or opting for free agency if he clears waivers.

Catcher Taylor Teagarden is a candidate with Jarrod Saltalamacchia (groin, flu) expected to be available today.