Hamilton’s honors piling up

Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton, was chosen as the American League player of the month for May on Monday.

Hamilton became the first American League player to win the monthly award in April and May the same season.

Monday night, Hamilton homered in his third straight game. The two-run shot was his AL-best 16th and increased his majors-leading RBI total to 65 in his 58 games. He also leads the AL in hitting at .331, with 79 hits and 26 multi-hit games. Hamilton had eight homers and 29 RBIs in May, when the Rangers won 19 games for their winningest month since June 1983.

Lance Berkman of the Houston Astros won the National League award after hitting .471 in May with nine homers.

Smoltz returns in relief

John Smoltz returned to the Atlanta Braves as a reliever against Florida, hoping the role he had from 2001-04 helpshim cope with an aching right shoulder and extends his career. He came on in the ninth with a 4-3 lead, allowing a two out, two run single. Smoltz blew the save, but the Braves won in the 10th.. Smoltz is the only pitcher in history with at least 200 wins and 150 saves.

Blackburn to start Friday

Nick Blackburn pointed to the seam imprint on his upper lip that still lingered a day after he was hit in the face by a line drive from Bobby Abreu.

Blackburn’s lip was still plenty swollen and he had headaches, but the Twins said Blackburn is still slotted to make his next start on Friday against the Chicago White Sox.

Sosa welcomed to Classic

Sammy Sosa, who is fifth on baseball’s career home run list, is welcome to represent the Dominican Republic in next year’s World Baseball Classic, the team’s general manager said.

The 39-year-old outfielder did not play in the inaugural Classic in 2006, in which the Dominican Republic reached the semifinals.