Rangers' Hamilton (groin) playing through pain

How hampered is Josh Hamilton right now? The Rangers outfielder says he's at 50 percent. Ben and Skin weigh in. More Podcasts " The Rangers said Hamilton will shift over to left field for Game 2 on Thursday night. Craig Gentry will start in center field against the St. Louis Cardinals. "It's obvious he's got discomfort but not enough to take him out of the lineup," manager Ron Washington said Thursday afternoon, adding that the injury only bothers Hamilton on check swings. Asked if Hamilton would be on the disabled list if this was the regular season, Washington paused. "I don't know," the manager said. "Maybe. Maybe not. But it's not the regular season. It's six games left." Hamilton was seen wincing during at-bats and in the field during Game 1 on Wednesday. During one at-bat, he was seen reaching for the area after an off-balance swing. After the game, Hamilton spent a lot of time in the trainer's room getting treatment and, consequently, wasn't available to speak to the media. The 2010 AL MVP has 45 postseason at-bats and is still looking for his first home run. He hasn't hit a long ball since Sept. 23, but he's still contributing in the No. 3 spot, hitting .267, with five of his 12 hits going for extra bases. "He's been battling through it basically since the end of the season," second baseman Ian Kinsler said after the Rangers lost to the St. Louis Cardinals 3-2. "The cold weather is never good. He's battled through it and he's going to do the same thing [Thursday]."