ARLINGTON, Texas -- Fresh off two hours of work in the batting cages, Texas Rangers slugger Josh Hamilton said he expects things to improve with his overall game.

“It’s going to be good folks,” said Hamilton, who gave a ‘thumbs up’ and smiled for the cameras. “Fans out there: It’s going to be good. Just hang in there.”

Hamilton was given Saturday off, though he could be used as a pinch-hitter if necessary. Manager Ron Washington said it was about giving the outfielder a mental break more than anything else. But Hamilton sees it more as a chance to rest his body.

"I feel beat up," Hamilton said. "I see it more a physical day off. I'll get some treatment and things."

Hamilton said he hit in the batting cages for two hours Saturday, working on things. He was upbeat at his locker and said the slump is both mental and physical. He was asked about the last week for him, which included a frustrating time at the plate and CEO Nolan Ryan’s comments on ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM's Galloway and Company that Hamilton sometimes gives at-bats away.

“It is what it is, man,” Hamilton said. “I’ve been through worse things. I play games for a living. Whatever the president of the team is saying, it’s not going to hurt my feelings. Fans booing me, I’m not going to lose any sleep over. Not being in the lineup -– it sucks. I want to be in there every day and help my team win, but when you’re struggling or going through tough times, people try to figure out how to help.”

Hamilton hinted that there was more to the slump or what was bothering him.

"The frustrating part is dealing with (the media) and not being able to share everything with you guys," Hamilton said. "When the time is right, you guys will be right in the loop."