Hamilton early for Rangers

SURPRISE, Ariz. — Good news was found Tuesday morning at the Surprise Recreation Campus as Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton was in camp a week before position players are due to report and did everything an able-bodied major league outfielder should do.

The 2010 American League MVP stretched, threw, shagged fly balls, hit, and even ran the bases.

Now for the not-so-good news: His left knee is starting to bark again after the effects of a January anti-inflammatory shot, administered by team physician Dr. Keith Meister, wore off.

The pain isn’t unbearable, at least not yet, and Hamilton plans to do the work necessary to have him ready to go for opening day. While it’s not yet a major cause of concern, Hamilton is searching for answers.

“We’ll hit it with treatment and see if it responds to being active every day. Hopefully, it does,” said Hamilton, who arrived in Arizona on Sunday. “I’m not really worrying about it. I ran some bases today. It seems like the more I do on it, the better it feels.”

The Rangers have come to the realization that Hamilton can’t be counted on as an everyday player. They want him to tread lightly this spring, something that has never been a strong suit for Hamilton, who turns 35 in May.

Despite the lingering issues after an October clean-up, his second in a month, Hamilton believes he is on schedule for the first full-squad workout Feb. 24. Pitchers and catchers report Thursday and have their first workout Friday.

Odds and ends

Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina has had the cast removed from his surgically repaired left thumb. The seven-time All-Star and eight-time Gold Glove winner is among several players already at spring training ahead of St. Louis’ first workout Thursday. He hopes to be ready for opening day. …

Former All-Star reliever Carlos Marmol agreed to a minor league contract with the Boston Red Sox and will attend big league spring training as a non-roster invitee.