Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton just cannot catch a break. According to ESPN.com, on Tuesday,Hamilton was checked out by an endodontist and was told he has gum problems and possibly a root canal issue. This comes a day after being hit in the left hand by a pitch the day prior.

Fortunately, for Hamilton and the Rangers, his X-rays came back negative. Hamilton just hasn’t been the same since his magical movie-script season in 2008 when he hit .304 with 32 home runs and 130 RBIs, second only to Phillies’ slugger Ryan Howard who had 146 RBIs that season. Last season Hamilton was injury-riddled, and missed all of June and was not himself most of the season. His numbers were way down, as he hit a measly .268 batting average, hit only 10 home runs and drove in just 54 runs.

Hamilton could have fallen victim to the infamous sophomore slump last year, but he needs to have a comeback year this year if the Rangers want to contend in the AL West. With the additions the Mariners have made this division will not be an easy one to win.