SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Rangers slugger Josh Hamilton has missed some time this spring. He had the fall during outfield drills that caused a shoulder contusion and was out of action for about a week. He was hit in the hand by a pitch and had a root canal/gum issue that required some dental work.

His only complaint right now is that he's not sleeping as well as he would like because his mouth is still sore. But in spite of the bumps in the road, Hamilton has continued to prepare for the season. And he feels ready to go.

"I wish the season started today," Hamilton said Saturday. He's batting .370 with three homers and six RBIs. "I'd like to get going. I feel really good at the plate right now and am seeing the ball well. That doesn't always happen."

Hamilton has played left field most of the spring and is adjusting to the position.

"I had to get used to how the ball comes off the bat and slices or hooks toward the line," Hamilton said. "The more balls I've seen, the more comfortable that's getting."

Hamilton said he's figuring out where to get positioned, which is based some on the center fielder and also on the batter. He said Gary Pettis helps too, double checking to see that he's in the right spot.

"He has less work to do than all the ground to cover in center and he looks comfortable to me," manager Ron Washington said. "The way he attacks the baseball, he looks like a surpreme athlete out there. There's less stress on his body over there. I think it's going to be good for him."

Washington said Hamilton remains his primary backup for Julio Borbon in center. He's comfortable playing David Murphy in center a game here or there (Murphy was in center on Saturday), but if the Rangers needed someone in center for two weeks, Hamilton would be that guy.