Hamilton plays catch, return date still unknown

TORONTO (AP) -Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton played a light game of catch before Wednesday's game against the Blue Jays, the first step toward returning to action for baseball's leading hitter.

Hamilton, whose .361 average is the highest in the majors, hasn't played since bruising his ribs after crashing into the outfield wall in Minnesota last Saturday. There is still no timetable for his return.

Hamilton has a team-high 31 homers and 97 RBIs. He threw with shortstop Elvis Andrus, out since Saturday with a sore right hamstring. Andrus is expected to play Friday when Texas returns home to face the New York Yankees.

Left-hander Cliff Lee, who skipped his start this week with a sore back, will pitch next on Sunday against New York righty Dustin Moseley.