Find a photo slideshow of the day's batting practice by following this link.

Editors Note: the AP is reporting that Friday May 13th was Hamilton's first day of "live" batting practice with the Rangers. CBSDFW.com spotted Hamilton swinging the bat during "soft-toss" practice and hitting from a tee on Wednesday May 11th.

ARLINGTON (CBSDFW.COM) - Injured Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton took batting practice with a regular bat at Rangers Ballpark Wednesday morning.

It's the first time the 2010 American League MVP has hit live pitches since he fractured his arm on April 12.

During the 45-minute practice, Hamilton hit several balls off a tee.

Hamilton also used a regular bat to hit several pitches thrown by hitting coach Thad Bosley.

Many of Hamilton's hits Wednesday came close to the outfield wall, and several others went over the wall.  Some of the balls he hit from the tee even went over the wall.

Hamilton was not scheduled to resume batting practice until Friday.  It's not yet known what prompted the early return.

The Rangers play the Oakland Athletics today at 1 p.m., but Hamilton is not in the lineup.

They play Philadelphia in a series beginning Friday, May 20.  There has been some talk that Hamilton might return to the lineup after the Philly series.