We already knew about Josh Hamilton's injury. What we didn't know was the severity. Now we know the severity. It's bad news.
According to general manager Jon Daniels, Hamilton has a non-displaced fracture of the humerus bone near his right shoulder. The injury is expected to sideline Hamilton for the next 6-8 weeks, and while it's anticipated that he should be just fine with no lingering effects after that, we're talking about perhaps two months that the Rangers will have to play without their best player. The AL West door is open wider today than it was yesterday.
Hamilton was injured attempting this head-first slide into home plate:
After the game, Hamilton said it was a stupid play, and that he was only going off his third base coach's instruction. Hamilton wanted to remain at third base, but was told to break for home. While Hamilton was presumably speaking out of frustration, it's hard not to take his side, given what wound up happening.
Hamilton has missed significant time over the course of his big league career due to injuries, and this one just adds to the long list. While he's out, David Murphy will pick up the bulk of the available playing time. Chris Davis has been recalled from AAA to fill Hamilton's roster spot.